In prokaryotic cells, repressor proteins bind to a section of DNA called a/an(1 point)

Question

Responses which answer is correct and why

operator.
operator.

repressor.
repressor.

promoter.
promoter.

chromatin.
chromatin.

Answer 1

The correct answer is operator.

Explanation: In prokaryotic cells, the operator is a region of DNA that a repressor protein can bind to. When a repressor protein binds to the operator, it prevents RNA polymerase from transcribing the downstream genes, effectively regulating gene expression. The other options are incorrect for the following reasons:

• Repressor: This refers to the protein itself, not the DNA region it binds to.
• Promoter: This is the region of DNA where RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription, not where the repressor binds.
• Chromatin: This term refers to the complex of DNA and proteins that form chromosomes, primarily in eukaryotic cells, and is not directly relevant to the function of repressors in prokaryotes.

Thus, the operator is the specific DNA sequence that interacts with the repressor proteins in prokaryotic gene regulation.