Inverted repeat

Inverted repeat is a sequence of nucleotides that is the reverse complement of another sequence further downstream. Inverted repeats can be found in various types of DNA and RNA molecules. They are of significant interest in genetics and molecular biology due to their ability to form secondary structures such as hairpin loops, which can influence the function and behavior of the molecules they are part of.

Structure and Function

Inverted repeats consist of two sequences of nucleotides that are identical but oriented in opposite directions. These sequences can be located on the same strand of DNA or RNA, or they can be on opposite strands. When the sequences are on the same strand, they can form a hairpin loop structure when the molecule folds onto itself. This can occur during the process of transcription in RNA, or during the formation of plasmids or other circular DNA molecules.

The formation of these secondary structures can have various effects on the function of the molecule. For example, in RNA, hairpin loops can influence the process of translation, affecting the production of proteins. In DNA, the formation of hairpin loops can influence the process of replication, potentially leading to errors or mutations.

Role in Genetic Elements

Inverted repeats are found in various types of genetic elements. For example, they are a key feature of transposons, which are segments of DNA that can move from one location to another within the genome. The inverted repeats at the ends of the transposon allow it to be recognized and moved by enzymes called transposases.

Inverted repeats are also found in plasmids, which are small, circular DNA molecules that are separate from the chromosomal DNA in bacteria. The inverted repeats in plasmids play a role in their replication and maintenance within the bacterial cell.

See Also

• Direct repeat
• Palindrome (genetics)
• Tandem repeat

References

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