Final answer:
B) inverted repeat. The palindromic sequence at the ends of a transposon is known as an inverted repeat, and it is part of the mechanism allowing transposons to move within the genome.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for the palindromic sequence found at the ends of transposons is a inverted repeat. Transposons, also known as “jumping genes,” are segments of DNA that can move from one location to another within the genome. They are characterized by inverted repeat sequences at their ends and a gene for the enzyme called transposase. Transposase facilitates the recombination between these inverted repeats, cutting the transposon from its original location and inserting it into a new one. This process contributes to genetic diversity within the organism's DNA. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is B) inverted repeat.
The palindromic sequence found at the ends of transposons is commonly referred to as inverted repeat. These inverted repeat sequences are important structural features of transposons, which are genetic elements that can move within and between DNA molecules, introducing genetic diversity. The presence of inverted repeat sequences at the ends of transposons allows the transposase enzyme to facilitate recombination and transpose the transposon to a new location.