The Evidence:

                 Shenk discusses the process of operons being used as part of the body’s homeostatic process during chapter 3. In The Evidence section of the book, he goes more into detail quoting Ericsson’s book. According to Ericsson, operons can be activated by low levels of “oxygen… glucose, ADP, and ATP” (Shenk 254) and in “sustained strenuous physical activity” (254). Is it possible then that lac operons could be induced to a lactose intolerant patient while undergoing strenuous physical activity and facilitate the production of lactase? Or is it more likely that an operon complex could be inserted into a strand of DNA allowing for the production of lactase? Use previous knowledge about operons, DNA splicing, and genetic engineering while answering the prompt. Also, discuss a biological theme in your response.

~Josh Gerber (grbr_jsh@yahoo.com)