The E.coli ykgEFG operon is a clear homolog of the B.subtilis lutABC operon, however it is not able of restoring L-lactate utilization to the B.subtilis mutant for lutABC operon. Thus, ykgEFG operon may contribute to lactate catabolism in E.coli, but under conditions other than those tested, or alternatively, the ykgEFG operon may be responsible for the catabolism of a metabolite other than (but perhaps related to) lactate in E.coli. Belongs to the LutA/YkgE family.