OPERATOR GENE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "operator gene" refers to a specific segment of DNA that is responsible for regulating the expression of other genes within an organism's genome. This regulatory segment is usually found adjacent to the genes it controls and acts as a molecular switch, determining whether those genes will be turned on or off. The operator gene is often associated with a larger genetic unit known as an operon, which consists of a cluster of related genes involved in a specific biological pathway.
The operator gene functions by interacting with a protein known as a repressor. When the repressor binds to the operator gene, it prevents the transcription machinery from accessing and transcribing the adjacent genes. This repression mechanism effectively inhibits the expression of those genes, leading to a lack of protein synthesis.
However, the operator gene can also undergo a process called derepression, in which it becomes unbound from the repressor, allowing the transcription machinery to access the genes it regulates. This derepression can occur under specific conditions, triggering the expression of the associated genes and initiating the production of the corresponding proteins.
In summary, the operator gene plays a crucial role in controlling gene expression by acting as a regulator switch. Its binding or release from a repressor protein determines whether the adjacent genes will be transcribed and translated, thereby influencing the organism's molecular and cellular processes.
Common Misspellings for OPERATOR GENE
- iperator gene
- kperator gene
- lperator gene
- pperator gene
- 0perator gene
- 9perator gene
- ooerator gene
- olerator gene
- o-erator gene
- o0erator gene
- opwrator gene
- opsrator gene
- opdrator gene
- oprrator gene
- op4rator gene
- op3rator gene
- opeeator gene
- opedator gene
- opefator gene
Etymology of OPERATOR GENE
The term "operator gene" is related to the field of molecular biology and specifically refers to a genetic element known as an operator in the lac operon system. Therefore, the etymology of the word is primarily derived from the scientific jargon in this domain.
The term "gene" itself originates from the word "genus" in Latin, which means "origin" or "birth". In the early 20th century, researchers in genetics began using the term to describe the basic hereditary unit responsible for the transmission of traits from parents to offspring.
The phrase "operator gene" stems from the concept of an operator within the lac operon system. The lac operon is a group of three genes in bacteria (Escherichia coli) that are involved in the metabolism of lactose.
Similar spelling words for OPERATOR GENE
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