What is the function of the lacZ gene?

a. This gene encodes an enzyme, galactoside permease, which transports lactose into the cell.
b. This gene encodes an enzyme, b-galactosidase, that cleaves lactose into two glucose molecules.
c. This gene encodes an enzyme, b-galactosidase, which cleaves lactose into glucose and galactose.
d. This gene encodes the repressor of the lac operon.