Corepressor

/ˌkɔːrɪˈprɛsər/ noun

Definition

A molecule that works together with a repressor protein to prevent genes from being expressed or turned on in cells.

Etymology

From 'co-' (together) + 'repressor' (from Latin 'reprimere' meaning to hold back). This genetics term emerged in the mid-20th century as scientists understood gene regulation mechanisms.

Kelly Says

Corepressors are like security guards working in pairs—one protein finds the gene, and the corepressor helps lock it down, controlling which traits actually get expressed in living things.

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