Question

Why does it appear that the Operon Concept as we understand it to function in bacteria is not applicable in higher organisms?

Answer 1

Why does it appear that the Operon Concept as we understand it to function in bacteria is not applicable in higher organisms?

The concept of operon is not applicable In eukaryotes because in eukaryotes there occurs chromosome crossing over, as a result of which, there would be disruption of gene clusters. These gene clusters (undisrupted) form operon sin prokaryotes. Also, in eukaryotes the genes that are metabolically related would be at greater distances as opposed to prokaryotes, where they are present close to one another. Also, in eukaryotic genome, there is compartmentalisation of cell’s, as most genetic material is present in the nucleus. This compartmentalisation is not observed in prokaryotes. Also, unlike prokaryotes, there Would be regulatory process in the eukaryotes that would be controlling gene expression.