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operon

op·er·on [ óppə ròn ] (plural op·er·ons)


noun 
Definition:
 
set of genes: in bacteria, a segment of a chromosome containing the genes that specify the structure of a given protein, alongside the genes that regulate its manufacture. Operons are relatively simple units of genetic control and are found only in bacteria.

[Mid-20th century. < French opéron< opérer "to work" < Latin operari (see operate)]
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