noun
- plural of operon: clusters of genes that are regulated together and transcribed as a single unit in prokaryotic cells
Usage: biology; genetics
Examples
- The lac operon is one of the most studied operons in molecular biology.
- Bacterial operons allow cells to efficiently control gene expression.
- Scientists discovered that operons help bacteria respond quickly to environmental changes.
- The trp operon regulates the production of tryptophan in E. coli.
- Multiple operons can be found on a single bacterial chromosome.
- Operons are typically not found in eukaryotic cells.