Question

What is the precise definition of a palindromic sequence in DNA?

Options

• A sequence of base pairs that reads the same on both strands when read in the same direction (\[5' \rightarrow 3'\])

• A single strand of DNA that can fold into a hairpin loop due to inverted repeats at its ends

• A double-stranded sequence where purines on one strand only bind to purines on the complementary strand

• A sequence of base pairs that reads identical sequences on the same strand in both opposite directions

Answer 1

In DNA, a palindrome refers to a sequence of base pairs that reads identically on both complementary strands when the reading orientation is kept the same, such as \[5' \rightarrow 3'\] on both strands.