Active -galactosidase enzyme is observed only in E. coli growing in the presence of lactose. One hypothesis is that the enzyme is always being produced, but is produced in an unstable form that breaks down rapidly in the absence of lactose (hypothesis 1)

Question

A second hypothesis
is that the enzyme is stable, but is produced only in the presence of lactose (hypothesis 2).
An experiment was performed to test these hypotheses. A culture of growing cells was
exposed to lactose, which was later removed. The amount of -galactosidase present in the
culture during the course of the experiment was measured. The data are shown in the
graph below. Which one of the following statements is a conclusion that can be obtained
from these experimental data?
A. The amount of -galactosidase in the
culture decreased rapidly after lactose was
removed, in support of hypothesis 2.
B. The amount of -galactosidase in the
culture decreased rapidly after lactose was
removed, in support of hypothesis 1.
C. The amount of -galactosidase in the
culture remained stable after lactose was
removed, in support of hypothesis 1.
D. Synthesis of -galactosidase is turned on
when lactose is added and turned off when
lactose is removed, in support of hypothesis
2.
E. Synthesis of -galactosidase is turned on
when lactose is added and turned off when
lactose is removed, in support of hypothesis
1.

Answer 1

D