LacY is a gene that encodes for the lactose permease protein in E. coli, which facilitates the transport of lactose into the bacterial cell. This gene plays a crucial role in the regulation of lactose metabolism and is part of the lac operon, a model for understanding prokaryotic gene regulation. By controlling the uptake of lactose, LacY helps the cell respond to environmental changes and utilize available sugars effectively.
congrats on reading the definition of lacY. now let's actually learn it.