inverted repeat
in·vert·ed re·peat
(in-vert'ĕd rē-pēt'),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.