Understanding Cistrons in Genetics

A cistron is a segment of DNA encoding a single polypeptide chain or functional RNA molecule, along with the sequences controlling its expression.

The term 'cistron' originated from early genetic experiments by Seymour Benzer in 1957, distinguishing functional gene segments within a mutated bacteriophage.

While 'gene' is a broader term, 'cistron' specifically refers to functional units of heredity that correspond to a peptide chain.

Cistrons were characterized using the cis-trans test, revealing that mutations affecting the same cistron can't complement each other.

Methods like recombination and deletion mapping helped identify cistron locations, essential for understanding genetic structure and function.

Today's advanced sequencing technologies have built upon the cistron concept, enabling precise gene editing and therapy strategies.

Cistron variations and mutations are fundamental in evolution, driving species diversity and adaptation through natural selection.