What is the Difference Between Operon and Regulon?

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:

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.