Operons

Definition

An operon is a functioning unit of genomic DNA containing clustered genes under control of a single regulatory signal or promoter. Operons are found in prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea).

Related terms

Promoter:

A region of DNA where RNA polymerase binds and starts transcription.

Repressor: A protein that suppresses the transcription of a gene.

Regulator Gene: A gene involved in controlling the expression of one or more other genes.