Final answer:
Direct repeats flank a region encoding a transposase and serve as recognition sites for the transposase enzyme.
Step-by-step explanation:
The repeats that flank a region encoding a transposase are direct repeats. These are short sequences of DNA that are repeated on both sides of the transposase region. Direct repeats are important for the transposition process, as they provide the necessary recognition sites for the transposase enzyme.
For example, in LINES (Long Interspersed Nuclear Elements), the transposase region is flanked by 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) that have direct repeats on both sides. These direct repeats serve as recognition sites for the transposase enzyme to bind and initiate transposition.
Overall, direct repeats are a common feature of transposons and play a crucial role in the movement and insertion of transposons within a genome.