REPRESSOR GENE Meaning and
Definition
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A repressor gene refers to a segment of DNA that regulates the expression of other genes by inhibiting their activity. It acts as a molecular switch that can turn off the production of proteins or reduce their levels in a cell.
In a cell, genes contain instructions for making specific proteins, which are essential for various biological processes. The repressor gene controls the expression of these genes by binding to specific DNA sequences called operators or silencers. When the repressor gene binds to these sequences, it prevents the transcription of the associated genes into messenger RNA (mRNA), thus inhibiting the translation of the mRNA into proteins.
The repressor gene functions by producing a protein known as a repressor molecule. This molecule can bind to the operator sequence and physically block the attachment of RNA polymerase, an enzyme necessary for the transcription process. By preventing RNA polymerase from binding to the DNA, the repressor gene effectively stops the production of proteins encoded by the regulated genes.
Repressor genes play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of gene expression and controlling various cellular processes. They can respond to environmental signals or internal cellular conditions to modulate gene expression accordingly. Mutations or alterations in repressor genes can lead to dysregulated gene expression and contribute to various diseases, such as cancers and genetic disorders. Researchers study repressor genes to understand their functions and potentially develop therapeutic strategies to modulate gene expression in a controlled manner.
Common Misspellings for REPRESSOR GENE
- eepressor gene
- depressor gene
- fepressor gene
- tepressor gene
- 5epressor gene
- 4epressor gene
- rwpressor gene
- rspressor gene
- rdpressor gene
- rrpressor gene
- r4pressor gene
- r3pressor gene
- reoressor gene
- relressor gene
- re-ressor gene
- re0ressor gene
- repeessor gene
- repdessor gene
- repfessor gene
Etymology of REPRESSOR GENE
The etymology of the word "repressor gene" can be understood by analyzing its components individually.
1. Repressor: The term "repressor" comes from the verb "repress", which originated in the late 14th century. It is derived from the Latin word "repressus", the past participle of "reprimere", meaning "to check, curb, or restrain". The Latin term is a combination of "re-" (meaning "back" or "against") and "primere" (meaning "press").
2. Gene: The term "gene" stems from the German word "gen", which was introduced by the Danish scientist Wilhelm Johannsen in 1905. Johannsen coined the term from the Greek word "genos", meaning "race" or "offspring".
Similar spelling word for REPRESSOR GENE
