Term: inducer
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.I03017

Definition:
A small molecule that triggers gene transcription by binding to a regulator protein (cf. enzyme induction). It acts by combining with the corresponding repressor protein to bring about an allosteric change so that the repressor is made incapable of combining with the operator of the system.

Related Terms:
1) gene transcription (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.G02604).
2) enzyme induction (<em>in general chemistry</em>) (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.ET02156).
3) repressor (<em>in general chemistry</em>) (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.R05304).
4) operator (<em>in general chemistry</em>) (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.O04300).

Source: PAC, 1992, 64, 143. 'Glossary for chemists of terms used in biotechnology (IUPAC Recommendations 1992)' on page 157 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199264010143)

Citation: 'inducer' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.I03017

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