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Multiple Choice
Which of the following are components of an operon in a sequence of DNA?
A
Replication origin, telomeres, and centromeres
B
Enhancer, silencer, and introns
C
Promoter, operator, and structural genes
D
Exons, introns, and poly-A tail
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of an operon: An operon is a functioning unit of genomic DNA containing a cluster of genes under the control of a single promoter. It is primarily found in prokaryotes.
Identify the key components of an operon: The main components include the promoter, operator, and structural genes. The promoter is a DNA sequence where RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription. The operator is a segment of DNA that a repressor binds to, regulating the expression of the genes. Structural genes are the genes that are co-transcribed into a single mRNA strand.
Differentiate between the options given: Replication origin, telomeres, and centromeres are related to DNA replication and chromosome stability, not operons. Enhancers and silencers are regulatory sequences that affect transcription but are not part of an operon. Exons, introns, and poly-A tail are related to eukaryotic mRNA processing, not operons.
Recognize that the correct components of an operon are the promoter, operator, and structural genes, as these are directly involved in the transcriptional regulation of the genes within the operon.
Conclude that the correct answer is the option listing promoter, operator, and structural genes, as these are the essential elements that define an operon in prokaryotic DNA.