operon

[ op-uh-ron ]

noun

, Genetics.

1. a set of two or more adjacent cistrons whose transcription is under the coordinated control of a promoter, an operator, and a regulator gene.

operon

/ ˈɒpəˌrɒn /

noun

1. genetics a group of adjacent genes in bacteria functioning as a unit, consisting of structural genes and an operator

operon

/ ŏp′ə-rŏn′ /

1. A sequence of genetic material that functions in a coordinated manner, consisting of an operator, a promoter, and one or more structural genes that are transcribed together. Operons were first found in prokaryotes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of operon¹

1960–65; < French opéron, equivalent to opér ( er ) to work, operate + -on -on ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of operon¹

C20: from operate

Example Sentences

Monod called one such gene module an operon.*

From Literature

Greater per-genome rRNA operon copy number has been found to be associated with rapid maximum growth rates29, which may provide a selective advantage when resources are abundant, such as in animal hosts.

From Nature

In 1957, Pardee, Monod, and Jacob discovered that the lactose operon was controlled by a single master switch—a protein eventually called the repressor.

From Literature

Pardee, Jacob, and Monod published their monumental study on the lactose operon in 1959, six years after the Watson and Crick paper on the structure of DNA.

From Literature