operon
nounUK /ˈɒpərɒn/
US /ˈɑːpərɑːn/
A group of genes that work together and are controlled as one unit.
The lac operon helps bacteria turn on the right genes when lactose is around.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A unit of genetic material in bacteria that includes a promoter, an operator, and the genes they control.
Scientists studied the operon to understand how bacteria regulate gene expression.
3. A set of genes transcribed together into a single messenger RNA molecule.
The operon produces one long mRNA that codes for several proteins.
4. A model system used in molecular biology to study gene regulation.
The lac operon is a classic example taught in genetics classes.