inverted repeat

in·vert·ed re·peat

(in-vert'ĕd rē-pēt'),
A sequence of nucleotides that is repeated nearly without change except in the opposite direction, usually at some point distant from the original sequence; often associated with gene insertion.
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

inverted repeat (IR)

a short sequence in a duplex DNA molecule which is repeated in the reverse orientation, either immediately adjacent or after an intervening sequence

After denaturing a duplex containing an inverted repeat, the single-stranded DNA may fold back and form a HAIRPIN or hairpin loop upon renaturing. Compare DIRECT REPEAT.

Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005
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