Question

Differentiate between Cistron, muton and recon.

Answer 1

Feature	Cistron	Muton	Recon
Definition	The unit of function.	The unit of mutation	The unit of recombination.
What it represents	A segment of DNA that codes for a single polypeptide chain (protein).	The smallest part of DNA that can undergo a spontaneous or induced change.	The smallest segment of DNA that can undergo crossing over or exchange.
Size	The largest unit (can consist of hundreds or thousands of nucleotides).	The smallest unit (can be as small as a single nucleotide).	Very small (can also be a single nucleotide or a few base pairs).
Context	Often used interchangeably with the modern term “gene.”	Changes here result in a mutant phenotype.	Represents the limit of genetic exchange between chromosomes.