Is it possible to get any transcription of the lac operon in the absence of lactose? Why or why not? Yes, because although the repressor protein keeps transcription at a very low basal level, some transcripts will be produced and translated. Yes, some transcription must take place in order to produce the permease to allow lactose to enter the cell. Yes, some transcription must take place in order to produce β-galactosidase to make allolactose. Yes, in spite of the presence of the repressor, a low level of basal transcription and translation must take place in order to produce the permease to allow lactose into the cell and in order to produce β‑galactosidase to make allolactose. No, without lactose the repressor protein will always prevent transcription.