Genetics glossary
What is cistron?
cistron — Term coined by Benzer for the smallest genetic unit that does NOT show genetic complementation when two different mutations are in trans during a cis-trans complementation test; but shows wild-type phenotype when the same mutations are in cis. Synonymous with gene. Originally defined as a functional genetic unit within which two mutations cannot complement. Now equated with the term gene, as the…
Term coined by Benzer for the smallest genetic unit that does NOT show genetic complementation when two different mutations are in trans during a cis-trans complementation test; but shows wild-type phenotype when the same mutations are in cis. Synonymous with gene. Originally defined as a functional genetic unit within which two mutations cannot complement. Now equated with the term gene, as the region of DNA that encodes a single polypeptide (or functional RNA molecule such as tRNA or rRNA).