cistron
- noun
- /ˈsɪstrɒn/
- Specialized
- Mutations within a cistron can lead to defective proteins and disease.
Examples
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The cistron is essential for gene expression.
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Each cistron can include both exons and introns within the DNA sequence.
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The scientist identified a single cistron responsible for the production of the enzyme.
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Several cistrons work together to create proteins.
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A cistron is a segment of DNA that plays a crucial role in the synthesis of a specific protein.
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Researchers identified a new cistron responsible for producing an important enzyme in plants.
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Understanding the function of a cistron helps scientists explore genetic inheritance patterns.
Synonyms
Part of DNA in a cell that tells the body how to make a trait
A part of DNA that passes traits from parents to children
Surface Forms
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.