Abstract
The Rodin–Ohno (RO) and the Delarue models divide the table of the genetic code into two classes of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs I and II) with recognition from the minor or major groove sides of the tRNA acceptor stem, respectively. These models are asymmetric but they are biologically meaningful. On the other hand, the standard genetic code (SGC) can be derived from the primeval RNY code (R stands for purines, Y for pyrimidines and N any of them). In this work, the RO-model is derived by means of group actions, namely, symmetries represented by automorphisms, assuming that the SGC originated from a primeval RNY code. It turns out that the RO-model is symmetric in a six-dimensional (6D) hypercube. Conversely, using the same automorphisms, we show that the RO-model can lead to the SGC. In addition, the asymmetric Delarue model becomes symmetric by means of quotient group operations. We formulate isometric functions that convert the class aaRS I into the class aaRS II and vice versa. We show that the four polar requirement categories display a symmetrical arrangement in our 6D hypercube. Altogether these results cannot be attained, neither in two nor in three dimensions. We discuss the present unified 6D algebraic model, which is compatible with both the SGC (based upon the primeval RNY code) and the RO-model.
Highlights
The insight that all organisms on Earth are related by common descent [1] is a remarkable scientific achievement
As we show in this article, there are several features that are special about the standard genetic code (SGC): firstly, it can be partitioned exactly into two classes of aaRRs in six dimensions; secondly, it displays symmetry groups when the polar requirement (PR) is used; and thirdly, the SGC can be broken down into a product of simpler groups reflecting the pattern of degeneracy observed, and the salient fact that evolution did not erase its own evolutionary footsteps
We have shown that by assuming both a primeval RNY code and that the code can be divided into two classes of the aaRSs, we arrive at a symmetrical representation of the genetic code in a 6D algebraic model
Summary
The insight that all organisms on Earth are related by common descent [1] is a remarkable scientific achievement. Assuming that the partition into two mechanisms of tRNA-aminoacylation is a relic that dates back to the primordial genetic code in the RNA world, Delarue [3] proposed a simple model based upon successive binary choices for the assignment of codons to amino acids. Both Delarue’s [3] and Rodin & Rodin’s [7] models reorganize the codon table to reflect these contrasting molecular recognition modes by the two aaRS classes. We have a unique 6D model, which is consistent with the RNY primeval genetic code and with the distribution of the two classes of aaRS
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
