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On malleability in the genetic code

D W Schultz, M Yarus

    Journal of Molecular Evolution
    |May 1, 1996
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    The genetic code evolved through a temporary codon ambiguity, explaining numerous codon reassignment cases. This pathway is supported by tRNA activities and evolutionary patterns.

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    Area of Science:

    • Molecular Biology
    • Evolutionary Biology
    • Genetics

    Background:

    • The genetic code, while largely universal, exhibits numerous instances of codon reassignment.
    • Understanding the evolutionary mechanisms behind these departures from the universal code is crucial.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To propose and support a pathway for the evolution of codon reassignment.
    • To explain how the genetic code transformed over time.

    Main Methods:

    • Reviewing existing literature on transfer RNA (tRNA) activities.
    • Analyzing the phylogenetic distribution of codon reassignments.
    • Examining the properties of currently reassigned tRNAs.

    Main Results:

    • A proposed pathway suggests transformed codons were temporarily ambiguous during evolution.

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  • Required unusual tRNA activities have been experimentally demonstrated.
  • Repetitive use and phylogenetic patterns of reassignments align with the proposed model.

    • Conclusions:

    • The evolution of the genetic code likely proceeded through an ambiguous translational intermediate.
    • This intermediate explains the widespread phenomenon of codon reassignment.