Definition
corepressor
noun
- A molecule that binds to a repressor protein to enable it to block gene transcription in cells.
Usage: molecular biology; genetics
Examples
- The corepressor molecule attaches to the repressor protein, allowing it to bind to the operator region.
- In the trp operon, tryptophan acts as a corepressor that shuts down gene expression when tryptophan levels are high.
- Without a corepressor, the repressor protein cannot effectively block transcription of the target genes.
- Corepressors are essential regulatory molecules in prokaryotic gene control systems.
- The binding of the corepressor to the repressor causes a conformational change that enables DNA binding.