operator definition biology
(1) (genetics) A segment of DNA where the repressor binds to, thereby preventing the transcription of certain genes. (2) (surgery) The one performing surgical procedures. (Genetics) In the Operon Model, the operator is the gene in which a repressor binds. This results in the prevention of the RNA polymerase from binding to it, thus, preventing the expression of certain genes in the operon unit. Word origin: Latin operÄ ( rÄ« ) (to work, effect).