Operator (genetics)
In genetics, an operator is a section on the operon near or within the promoter to which a regulatory protein ( repressor or activator ) can bind, thereby reducing or increasing the affinity of the promoter for RNA polymerase . So that is the transcription of genes in the operon regulated . The promoter is in front of the operator and serves as a starting point for the RNA polymerase. If a repressor binds to the operator, the promoter is at least partially covered so that the RNA polymerase can no longer bind. Transcription is inhibited. Operators are only found in prokaryotes , not eukaryotes.
literature
- Rüdiger Wehner , Walter Gehring : Zoology. 23rd revised edition. Georg-Thieme-Verlag, Stuttgart et al. 1995, ISBN 3-13-367423-4 .