Origin-dependent inverted-repeat amplification: a replication-based model for generating palindromic amplicons

The model furthermore can explain the final structure and the pathway for forming this and other types of amplicons in both yeast and humans. Because the model requires the presence of both an origin of replication and short, closely spaced, flanking inverted repeats, we call this model Origin-Dependent Inverted-Repeat Amplification (ODIRA). [...]the causative event is not a double-stranded break but is an error in replication--transfer of the 3' end of the leading strand to the lagging strand template at the same fork.