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Glite Dictionary
operator gene

operator gene

8.7
A DNA segment that controls nearby genes by starting or stopping their protein production
  • noun
  • /ˈoʊpəˌreɪtər dʒin/
  • Specialized
translation icon : gen operador
  • Mutations in the operator gene can disrupt normal gene expression by altering the production of messenger RNA.

Examples

  • Mutations in the operator gene can disrupt normal gene expression.

  • The operator gene plays a crucial role in the regulation of certain enzyme-producing genes.

  • Scientists discovered the function of the operator gene while studying bacterial DNA.

  • The operator gene plays a crucial role in gene expression.

  • An operator gene can influence the activity of nearby genes.

  • Researchers found that the operator gene is essential for regulating the synthesis of specific proteins in cells.

  • In bacteria, the operator gene controls the activation of genes responsible for metabolizing sugars.

Surface Forms

operator gene singular
operator genes plural

Morphology

operator + gene

The constituent 'operator' conveys a general idea of 'one/something that operates or controls' and 'gene' is a DNA unit, so a B1 learner could plausibly infer a meaning like 'a gene or element that controls other genes'. However, the precise technical sense — a specific DNA regulatory segment controlling adjacent structural genes and mRNA production rather than a typical coding gene — is specialized and not fully predictable from everyday meanings, so full understanding would likely require prior exposure.

Etymology

Operator gene comes from a simple image: an operator is a person who runs a machine, and a gene is a part of DNA that gives instructions, so scientists pictured this DNA piece as a control switch. Because it can let a gene make or stop making 'messenger RNA', the name shows why the operator gene means a DNA segment that controls gene activity.