Step 1: Understanding the Concept
In an operon, the operator is the switch for the structural genes.
Step 2: Key Point
When the repressor protein binds the operator, RNA polymerase cannot move on to transcribe the genes.
The operon is switched off.
Step 3: Compare the options
So the structural genes are not expressed.
Final Answer:
The structural genes are not expressed.
\[ \boxed{\text{(D) }\text{the structural genes are not expressed.}} \]