A gene unit consisting of one or more genes that specify a polypeptide and an operator unit that regulates the structural gene, that is, the production of messenger RNA (mRNA) and hence, ultimately, of a number of proteins. Generally an operon is defined as a group of functionally related structural genes mapping (that is, being) close to each other in the chromosome and being controlled by the same (one) operator. If the operator is “turned on” then the DNA of the genes comprising the operon will be transcribed into mRNA, and down the line specific proteins are produced. If, on the other hand, the operator is “turned off” then transcription of the genes does not occur and the production of the operon-specific proteins does not occur.
In genetics, a group of genes that are linked and have regulatory elements that function as a unit.
Segment of deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA (the genetic material) containing several structural genes that determine related functions, an , operator gene, and a regulatory gene that controls the function of the structural genes.
A group of closely linked genes that regulate the production of enzymes. An operon is composed of one or more structural genes, which determine the nature of the enzymes made, and an operator gene, which controls the working of the structural genes and is itself controlled by a regulator gene, which is not part of the operon.
In prokaryotic cells, a portion of the chromosome that encodes some aspect of metabolism and the regulatory genes that inhibit or promote its expression.