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.

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.