operon

American  

[op-uh-ron] / ˈɒp əˌrɒn /

noun

Genetics.

1. a set of two or more adjacent cistrons whose transcription is under the coordinated control of a promoter, an operator, and a regulator gene.

---

operon British  

/ ˈɒpəˌrɒn /

noun

1. genetics a group of adjacent genes in bacteria functioning as a unit, consisting of structural genes and an operator

---

operon Scientific  

/ ŏp′ə-rŏn′ /

1. A sequence of genetic material that functions in a coordinated manner, consisting of an operator, a promoter, and one or more structural genes that are transcribed together. Operons were first found in prokaryotes.

---

Etymology

Origin of operon

1960–65; < French opéron, equivalent to opér ( er ) to work, operate + -on -on ¹

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

operon

These techniques allowed the scientists to determine how the MraZ transcription factor attaches to the promoter of the dcw operon in the bacterium Mycoplasma genitalium.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 14, 2026

In this way, MraZ acts as the key regulator controlling the activity of the operon that governs cell division in most bacterial species.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 14, 2026

The promoter region of the dcw operon contains four repeated segments, or "boxes," each composed of six nucleotides.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 14, 2026

The lac operon undergoes transcriptional attenuation and therefore is OFF by default, whereas the trp operon is not regulated by any such mechanism and is ON by default.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

In 1966, Walter Gilbert and Benno Muller-Hill isolated the repressor protein from bacterial cells—thereby proving Monod’s operon hypothesis beyond doubt.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---