Correct Response: D. An operator is a DNA sequence to which a repressor can bind, blocking RNA polymerase from transcribing prokaryotic genes. The operator does not function as an origin of replication (A), nor is an operator able to remove introns, which are non-coding sections of RNA (B). A spliceosome typically performs this process. Transposable elements are DNA segments capable of excising and reinserting themselves into new locations within the chromosome (C). They do not activate operons.