Cis and Trans Elements of Operon?

[Elersong]

What is the difference between CIS and TRANS elements when regarding operons? I know that it has something to do with one being on the same DNA molecule, but it's a bit foggy to me. Can anyone explain them and how they assist in regulation of the genes?

[bipinnavlakha]

cis and trans elements are mostly used in regard with repressor gene
cis if the repressor gene is on the same dna strand
trans if it is on another one

[MrMistery]

cis and trans are two terms generally used in genetics.
Cis means that it must be on the same strand in order to act. The promoter of gene only acts in cis (a promoter somewhere else will not influence the gene).
Trans means that it need not be on the same DNA strand(of course it can still be, it just isn't a requirement). The repressor gene acts in trans. It doesn't really matter where it is located, as long as it makes the repressor protein.
Cheers.

BTW, are you by any chance taking an intro molecular biology college course?

[Elersong]

Okay, that phrases it much better than my notes. And yes, I am taking micro and genetics with molecular perspectives. Why, am I breaking some rules by asking these questions or something? ( I'll stop if I am. )

[MrMistery]

No. I was just curios. Cause this is about the time molecular biology courses cover cis and trans.
You are encouraged to ask anything you find unclear on the forum. That is one of the reasons this forum is here for.