Definition

A substance that works with a genetic repressor to stop the process of making proteins by preventing certain genes from being turned on.

Example

The corepressor binds to the repressor protein, allowing it to block gene expression.

Conversation

I've been reading about how corepressors function in gene regulation.

Oh really? I didn't know that was a thing!

Yeah, they help activate repressors to prevent gene transcription.

That sounds pretty interesting; I should look into it more.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Corepressor → It is formed from "co-" (meaning together) and "repressor" (from Latin "reprimere", meaning to press back or restrain). The word "corepressor" refers to a molecule that works together with a repressor to inhibit gene expression.

Memory Tip

Think of working "together" ('co-') with something that "presses back" ('repressor') to understand that a corepressor helps inhibit gene activity.

Visually Confused Words