Palindrome

In genetics, a palindrome is a DNA or RNA sequence that reads the same in both directions. The sites of many restriction enzymes that cut (restrict) DNA are palindromes. In rheumatology, palindromic rheumatism is a form of joint inflammation in which the joints involved by the arthritis appear to change periodically from one region of the body to another and back again. A palindrome is a word that reads the same in both directions as, for example, the names "Eve" and "Anna."

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In molecular biology, a self-complementary nucleic acid sequence; a sequence identical to its complementary strand, if both are “read” in the same 5′ to 3′ direction, or inverted repeat ing sequences running in opposite directions ( e.g., 5′-AGT–TGA-3′) on either side of an axis of symmetry; palindromes occur at sites of important reactions ( e.g., binding sites, sites cleaved by restriction enzymes); imperfect palindromes exist, as do interrupted palindromes that allow the formation of loops. [G. palindromos, a running back]

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pal·in·drome 'pal-ən-.drōm n a palindromic sequence of DNA

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pal·in·drome (palґin-drōm) [Gr. palindromos a running back] in genetics, a DNA or RNA sequence that reads the same in both directions.