noun, plural: operator genes
(genetics) A segment of DNA being referred to when the repressor binds to it. As a result, the transcription of certain genes is inhibited.
In the Operon Model, the operator is the gene segment to which a repressor binds. This prevents the RNA polymerase from transcribing certain genes in the operon unit.
Word origin: Latin operā ( rī ) (to work, effect).
- operator (genetics)