Regulatory gene

Definition

A regulatory gene is a gene involved in controlling the expression of one or more other genes by producing a regulatory protein, such as a repressor or activator. These proteins interact with specific DNA sequences to increase or decrease transcription.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Regulatory genes produce proteins that can either inhibit or promote the transcription of target genes.
2. In the operon model, regulatory genes are often located outside of the operon they control.
3. The lacI gene in E. coli is an example of a regulatory gene that produces the Lac repressor protein.
4. Mutations in regulatory genes can lead to improper expression of target genes, potentially causing disease.
5. Regulatory proteins often bind to operator regions on the DNA to exert their effects.

Related terms

Operon:

A cluster of genes under control of a single promoter and regulated together.

Repressor Protein: A protein produced by a regulatory gene that binds to an operator sequence to block transcription.

Activator Protein: A protein that increases transcription by binding to DNA and assisting RNA polymerase binding.