Operator (biology)
Operator (biology)
The Operator (ˈɒpəreɪtər) is a segment of DNA to which a repressor binds. It is a part of the operon system of prokaryotic gene expression.
Etymology
The term "Operator" in this context was first used in 1961 by François Jacob and Jacques Monod. The word is derived from the Latin operātor, meaning "worker" or "exerting force".
Function
An operator is a key genetic sequence. It is a part of the operon and controls the transcription of adjacent genes. When a repressor binds to the operator, RNA polymerase is blocked and transcription of downstream genes is prevented.
Related Terms
- Operon: A functioning unit of genomic DNA containing a cluster of genes under the control of a single promoter.
- Repressor: A DNA- or RNA-binding protein that inhibits the expression of one or more genes by binding to the operator.
- Promoter: A region of DNA that initiates transcription of a particular gene.
- RNA polymerase: An enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Operator (biology)
- Wikipedia's article - Operator (biology)
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