Terminal inverted repeats are found in
Terminal inverted repeats TIRs are defining structural feature of DNA transposons consisting of short sequences at opposite ends that are reverse complements, typically 10-40 bp, sometimes containing subterminal transposase binding motifs. Inverted orientation allows single transposase dimer to simultaneously contact both ends bending DNA into paired-end complex aligning catalytic DDE residues for cleavage. Sequence conservation within repeats ensures specificity, while small asymmetries differentiate autonomous and non-autonomous families. Mutagenesis of repeats abolishes binding demonstratin
Ref: Alberts et al., Molecular Biology of the Cell, 7th ed., Chapter 5: Terminal Inverted Repeats in DNA Transposons
