Question

What are the two types of gene organization found in prokaryotes?

Short answer

Answer: The two types of gene organization found in prokaryotes are operons and gene clusters.

Step-by-step solution

Understand prokaryotes

Prokaryotes are unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. They belong to two domains: Archaea and Bacteria.

Identify gene organization in prokaryotes

Gene organization in prokaryotes refers to the arrangement and organization of genes within the prokaryotic genome. There are two types of gene organization: 1. Operons 2. Gene clusters

Explain operons

Operons are a set of genes that are transcribed together as a single polycistronic mRNA. This allows for the coordinated expression of a group of functionally related genes, which are under the control of a single promoter and regulated by an operator sequence. A classic example of an operon is the lac operon in E. coli, which is responsible for the metabolism of lactose.

Explain gene clusters

Gene clusters are groups of related genes that are physically close to each other on the prokaryotic chromosome but are transcribed and regulated independently. Often, these functionally related genes encode proteins that are involved in a single biochemical pathway or cellular process. One example of a gene cluster is the histidine biosynthesis gene cluster in E. coli. So, the two types of gene organization found in prokaryotes are operons and gene clusters.