Final answer:
An operon is a unit of genetic expression consisting of related genes and sequences. It regulates gene expression in prokaryotes by coordinating the synthesis of multiple proteins at once. Operons can be regulated through repression or induction.
Step-by-step explanation:
An operon is a unit of genetic expression consisting of one or more related genes and sequences controlling them. It includes the operator and promoter sequences that regulate their transcription. Operons are found in prokaryotes and are responsible for regulating the expression of genes.
An operon typically consists of structural genes, an operator, and a promoter. The structural genes encode proteins needed for a specific function, while the operator and promoter sequences regulate transcription.
Regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes occurs at the transcriptional level. Operons allow for coordinated regulation of the synthesis of several proteins at once. They can be regulated by repression or induction, depending on the presence of specific metabolites in the cell.