How Do You Spell REPRESSOR?

Pronunciation: [ɹɪpɹˈɛsə] (IPA)

The word "repressor" is pronounced /rɪˈprɛsər/ in International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable of the word is stressed, which is reflected by the primary stress mark. The letter "e" in the second syllable is pronounced as a short vowel, as indicated by the schwa symbol. The letter "s" in the third syllable is pronounced as /s/ (not /z/), as represented by the voiceless alveolar sibilant. The word "repressor" is commonly used in genetics to refer to a protein that inhibits the expression of genes.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Similar spelling words
Plural
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REPRESSOR Meaning and Definition

  1. A repressor is a regulatory protein that hinders or suppresses the expression of specific genes. It is a crucial component of the complex molecular machinery called the operon system, which controls gene expression in prokaryotes. The operon consists of an operator region, a promoter region, and the genes that code for proteins. The function of the repressor is to bind to the operator region, preventing RNA polymerase from transcribing the genes and thereby reducing their expression.

    The binding of the repressor to the operator region is typically triggered by the presence of certain molecules called corepressors or inducers. Corepressors act by facilitating the binding of the repressor to the operator, while inducers interfere with this binding, allowing gene expression to occur. This mechanism of gene regulation ensures that genes are only expressed when necessary, enabling precise control of cellular processes.

    In addition to their role in operon systems, repressors can also function in eukaryotes, where they play a crucial role in controlling gene expression during development and various physiological processes. They often act as inhibitors of transcription factors or interact with histone proteins to influence chromatin structure and gene accessibility. Their regulatory function helps maintain cellular homeostasis by tightly controlling the expression of genes in response to environmental signals or internal cues.

Common Misspellings for REPRESSOR

Etymology of REPRESSOR

The word repressor has its roots in the Latin language. It is derived from the Latin verb reprimere, which means to hold back, restrain, or repress. The Latin verb is a combination of the prefix re- (meaning back or again) and the verb primere (meaning to press or to push). Therefore, repressor essentially means one who presses back or restrains.

Similar spelling words for REPRESSOR

Plural form of REPRESSOR is REPRESSORS

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