Suppose that a strain of E. coli containing a mutant lac operon is discovered. Also suppose that the mutant operon is normal in terms of its regulation, but the lacY gene produces a defective protein. Which metabolic function will be impaired in this bacterium?
A) transport of lactose into the cell B) transacetylase C) binding of the repressor to the operator D) conversion of lactose into monosaccharides