Cistron:

Term coined by Benzer for the smallest genetic unit that does NOT show genetic complementation when two different mutations are in trans during a cis-trans complementation test; but shows wild-type phenotype when the same mutations are in cis. Synonymous with gene. Originally defined as a functional genetic unit within which two mutations cannot complement. Now equated with the term gene, as the region of DNA that encodes a single polypeptide (or functional RNA molecule such as tRNA or rRNA).

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