Question

Differentiate between induction and repression.

Answer 1

Feature	Induction	Repression
Basic Concept	Turning ON a gene that is normally off.	Turning OFF a gene that is normally on.
Metabolic Context	Usually involved in catabolic pathways (breaking down substances).	Usually involved in anabolic pathways (building substances).
Trigger (Signal)	Triggered by an Inducer (the substrate to be broken down).	Triggered by a Co-repressor (the end-product of the pathway).
Repressor Status	The inducer inactivates the repressor, so it falls off the DNA.	The co-repressor activates the repressor, which then binds to DNA.
Example	Lac Operon: Switched on when lactose is present.	Trp Operon: Switched off when tryptophan levels are high.