What are the difference between an operator and a promoter?
Posted October 21, 2020
Answer
Operators and promoters are vital DNA sequences that are involved in the transcription process. These are the key differences between an operator and a promoter:
Basis for comparison | Operator | Promoter |
Definition | A specific section of DNA where transcription factors bind, inhibiting transcription | A specific sequence of DNA where transcription begins |
Presence | Found only in prokaryotes | Found in prokaryotes and eukaryotes |
Function | Regulate gene expression by binding the repressor and inhibiting transcription of downstream genes | Controls gene expression by signaling the RNA polymerase to begin transcription and in which direction the polymerase should transcribe the DNA |
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