cistron

[ sis-tron ]

noun

, Genetics.

1. a segment of DNA that encodes for the formation of a specific polypeptide chain; a structural gene.

cistron

/ ˈsɪstrən /

noun

1. genetics the section of a chromosome that encodes a single polypeptide chain

cistron

/ sĭs′trŏn′ /

1. A section of DNA that contains the genetic code for a single polypeptide and functions as a hereditary unit.

Other Words From

• cis·tronic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cistron¹

First recorded in 1955–60; cis- + tr(ans)- + -on ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of cistron¹

C20: from cis-trans; see cis-trans test