What type of structural configuration do mirror repeats typically form in RNA?

Mirror repeats in RNA generally form a hairpin structure. This occurs when a sequence of nucleotides has a complementary sequence running in the opposite direction, allowing for the formation of a double-stranded region that can fold back on itself. This configuration results in a loop at one end of the molecule and a double-stranded stem, characteristic of hairpin structures.

In the case of RNA, hairpins are significant because they play crucial roles in the stability of RNA molecules and are involved in various biological processes, such as regulation of gene expression and the formation of ribozymes. The base-pairing in the stem of the hairpin structure helps stabilize the folded RNA molecule, making this configuration highly relevant in the context of RNA structure and function.

Understanding this structural formation is essential, as it provides insight into the functional diversity of RNA molecules in cellular processes.