Question
Biology Question on the molecular basis of inheritance
Gene and cistron words are sometimes used synonymously because
A
one cistron contains many genes
B
one gene contains many cistrons
C
one gene contains one cistron
D
one gene contains no cistron.
Answer
one gene contains one cistron
Explanation
Solution
A gene is a hereditary unit consisting of a sequence of DNA and occupying a specific position or locus within the genome. Gene activity ultimately affects the phenotype of the organism possessing the gene. Thus gene is a physical and functional unit of genetic information. A cistron is a unit of genetic function. In prokaryotes there is one gene one enzyme correspondence. It means that in these organisms genes and cistrons are equivalent.