invertedrepeat

An inverted repeat is a DNA or RNA sequence that is identical when read in opposite directions on complementary strands. For example, a sequence like 5'-AGCT-3' on one strand would have a complementary sequence of 3'-TCGA-5' on the other. When read in reverse and complemented, the original sequence 5'-AGCT-3' becomes 3'-TCGA-5', which is identical to the complementary strand. The term "inverted" refers to the reversal of the sequence orientation, and "repeat" indicates that the same pattern occurs.

Inverted repeats play significant roles in molecular biology. They can form hairpin loops or cruciform structures in nucleic acids, which can affect DNA replication, transcription, and recombination. These structures can also serve as recognition sites for DNA-binding proteins. In some cases, inverted repeats are associated with genomic instability and can lead to rearrangements. The presence and location of inverted repeats are important considerations in genetic analysis and the study of gene regulation and genome structure. They are a fundamental structural motif found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes.