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Regulation of the Lactase Gene

Lactase Gene Expression

L C T gene diagram
A diagram depicting the steps in the transcription and translation of the L-C-T gene that produce lactase.
A diagram of a circle inside a larger oval. Inside the circle is a double-stranded red helix with irregularly spaced green squares superimposed on it. The helix is labeled L-C-T gene. A downward pointing arrow labeled Transcription appears below the helix. It points to a single strand of the helix in red with the same sequence of green squares superimposed on it. A downward pointing arrow labeled R-N-A Splicing appears below the strand. It points to a red rectangle made up of the red segments of the previous strand with an orange ball attached to the left-hand side. An arrow below it labeled Export points downward across the outer edge of the circle into the interior space of the oval. The arrow points to another copy of the red rectangle and orange ball with a right-pointing arrow to the right of it labeled Translation. The arrow points to an irregularly shaped, two-part mass consisting of various multi-colored loops and spirals. The mass is labeled Lactase.

A gene is expressed when it is transcribed, translated, and properly processed to produce a protein.

A person can digest lactose when the lactase gene (LCT) is expressed in the cells of the small intestine.

If the gene is not expressed, or if expression is reduced, there may not be enough lactase enzyme to digest lactose.