What is the Difference Between Operon and Regulon?

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The main difference between an operon and a regulon lies in the arrangement of the genes within the genome and the way they are regulated. Here are the key differences between the two:

Operon:

  • Found primarily in prokaryotes.
  • Comprises a group of related genes with a single promoter, regulated by a single operator.
  • The genes are contiguously located in a specific region of the genome.
  • Operons can be classified into two types: repressible or inducible.
  • Regulated by a single promoter.
  • Operons can also be found in viruses like bacteriophages.

Regulon:

  • Found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
  • Comprises a set of genes or operons that are regulated by a single regulatory protein.
  • The genes are not necessarily contiguous and can be located in different regions of the genome.
  • Regulons can be classified into two types: stimulon or modulon.
  • Each transcription unit of a regulon has its own promoter.
  • Regulons are not found in viruses.

In summary, an operon is a group of contiguous genes in a specific region of the genome that share a single promoter, while a regulon is a set of genes or operons that are regulated by a single regulatory protein and can be located in different regions of the genome.

Comparative Table: Operon vs Regulon

The main difference between an operon and a regulon lies in the arrangement of genes within the genome and the type of organisms they are found in. Here is a table highlighting the differences between operons and regulons:

Feature Operon Regulon
Location Contiguous genes in a specific genome region Genes located in various regions within the genome
Organisms Primarily found in prokaryotes Found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes
Types Two types: repressible or inducible Two types: stimulon or modulon
Regulation Single promoter regulates an operon Several regulatory mechanisms control the response
Examples Gal operon, Arg operon, His operon LexA regulon, NtrC regulon, PhoP regulon

Operons are groups of related genes with a single promoter, primarily found in prokaryotes, and can be classified into two types: repressible or inducible. On the other hand, regulons are groups of genes or operons that are controlled by a single regulatory protein and are found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. They can be classified into two types: stimulon or modulon.