Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
repressor gene

repressor gene

7.2
A gene that makes a protein that stops other genes from turning on
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : gen represor
  • A repressor gene can prevent the synthesis of enzymes when they are not needed.

Examples

  • The mutation in the repressor gene led to uncontrolled gene expression.

  • A repressor gene inhibits the production of specific proteins by blocking their transcription.

  • Researchers are studying how a repressor gene regulates immune system responses.

  • The repressor gene controls the synthesis of proteins.

  • Scientists study the repressor genes in various organisms.

  • Scientists discovered that the repressor gene helps manage cell growth and division.

  • In bacteria, the repressor gene plays a crucial role in controlling the expression of metabolic pathways.

Synonyms

repressor
vsrepressor gene
  • Specialized
1 9.0

A substance, gene, or protein that attaches to DNA to stop a gene from working

is specifically a gene making a protein that blocks transcription
regulator gene
vsrepressor gene
  • Specialized
7.0

Part of DNA that makes a chemical to stop other genes from working

focuses on stopping transcription directly rather than controlling an operator

Antonyms

activator
  • Specialized
1 6.3

A substance that increases enzyme activity or makes genes produce more protein

How Repressive

repressor gene
  • Specialized
7.2
regulatory gene
  • Specialized
7.3

Surface Forms

repressor gene singular
repressor genes plural

Morphology

repressor + gene

The compound is compositionally transparent: 'repressor' means an agent that inhibits and 'gene' is a DNA segment, so a learner who knows both words can infer this is a gene that inhibits (i.e., reduces) expression of other genes. The noun+noun pattern and the literal inhibitory sense are standard and cross-linguistically recognizable, making the MWE readily comprehensible to a B1 learner with the constituent knowledge.

Etymology

The term repressor gene comes from the image of a gene that makes a repressor protein acting like an 'off' switch to stop other genes being read. So, it explains why the name means a gene that 'turns off' other genes.