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operon

noun
op·​er·​on | \ ˈä-pə-ˌrän How to pronounce operon (audio) \

Definition of operon

: a group of closely linked genes that produces a single messenger RNA molecule in transcription and that consists of structural genes and regulating elements (such as an operator and promoter)

First Known Use of operon

1960, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for operon

borrowed from French opéron, from opérer "to bring about, effect" (going back to Middle French, borrowed from Late Latin operārī "to work, be efficacious") + -on -on entry 2 — more at operate

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More Definitions for operon

operon

noun
op·​er·​on | \ ˈäp-ə-ˌrän How to pronounce operon (audio) \

Medical Definition of operon

: a group of closely linked genes that produces a single messenger RNA molecule in transcription and that consists of structural genes and regulating elements (as an operator and promoter)

More from Merriam-Webster on operon

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about operon

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