Provide definitions/explanations for the following terms: Splicing and Operator gene.

(N/A) $(1)$ Splicing: The primary transcripts (pre-$mRNA$) contain both exons (coding sequences) and introns (non-coding sequences) and are non-functional. Splicing is the process by which introns are removed and exons are joined together in a defined order to form mature functional $mRNA$.
$(2)$ Operator gene: It is a segment of $DNA$ that acts as a switch for the operon. It provides a binding site for the repressor protein. When the repressor is bound to the operator,it blocks the passage of $RNA$ polymerase from the promoter to the structural genes,thereby controlling the activity of the structural genes.