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cistron

cistron

9.9
A part of DNA that helps make one protein
  • noun
  • /ˈsɪstrɒn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : cistrón
  • Mutations within a cistron can lead to defective proteins and disease.

Examples

  • The cistron is essential for gene expression.

  • Each cistron can include both exons and introns within the DNA sequence.

  • The scientist identified a single cistron responsible for the production of the enzyme.

  • Several cistrons work together to create proteins.

  • A cistron is a segment of DNA that plays a crucial role in the synthesis of a specific protein.

  • Researchers identified a new cistron responsible for producing an important enzyme in plants.

  • Understanding the function of a cistron helps scientists explore genetic inheritance patterns.

Synonyms

gene
vscistron
  • Specialized
644 3.1

Part of DNA in a cell that tells the body how to make a trait

focuses on a single polypeptide and may include noncoding regions
factor
vscistron
  • Archaic
40 6.8

A part of DNA that passes traits from parents to children

is the modern genetic term often defined by coding and noncoding regions

Surface Forms

cistron singular
cistrons plural

Etymology

Cistron comes from the Latin part cis- meaning 'on this side' and the ending -tron that names a small unit. A helpful way to remember it is to think of a cistron as a small 'unit on this side' of DNA that makes one protein, so the word shows it is a single DNA segment with its own function.