Question

The genes that code for polypeptides are called ______ genes, whereas the genes that activate or inactivate other genes are called ______ genes.

Answer 1

The genes that code for polypeptides are called structural genes, whereas the genes that activate or inactivate other genes are called regulatory genes.

Explanation:

Structural genes are the segments of DNA that code for the specific amino acid sequences of polypeptides, which then become functional proteins or enzymes. In contrast, regulatory genes do not code for enzymes directly but instead produce proteins (like repressors or activators) that control the expression of other genes by turning them on or off. This distinction allows a cell to precisely manage its resources, ensuring that structural genes are only expressed when their specific protein products are needed.