cistron

n.
A section of DNA that contains the genetic code for a single polypeptide and functions as a hereditary unit.

[From cis-trans test, a genetic test (CIS- + TRANS-) + -ON¹.]

cistronic cis·tron'ic adj.

(sĭs'trŏn')
n.

The smallest functional unit of heredity; a length of chromosomal DNA associated with a single biochemical function and essentially equivalent to a gene.

cis·tron'ic adj.

A DNA segment corresponding to one polypeptide chain plus the start-and-stop codon. The smallest unit of genetic material that must be intact to function as a transmitter of genetic information; as traditionaly construed, approximately synonymous with gene.