Abstract
AbstractFrom the present situation of genetic code so far elucidated for various species of extant organisms, it is speculated that the genetic code system had started from a limited number of amino acids and evolved to the universal genetic code which is being used by most extant organisms. During evolution, the genetic code is changeable by some factors such as directional mutational pressure on genomes, genome economization and evolution of tRNA (and its cognate aminoacyl transferribonucleic acid synthetase). The metazoan (multicellular animal) mitochondrial genetic code is interesting issue as the model case of evolution of genetic code, since the metazoan mitochondrial genetic code is greatly deviated from the universal genetic code, and varied among lineages. The present situation on the genetic code is discussed.Key Concepts:Genetic code has evolved along (with) evolution of life.Codon reassignment requires both elimination of tRNAs for sense codons or release factors for termination codons recognizing the concerned codon and creation or recruitment of ‘novel’ tRNAs or release factors that can recognize the concerned codon.Wobble base pairing between anticodon first position and codon third position is an important constraint for codon reassignment.Simple mitochondrial genetic system (small genome size, reduced number of tRNA species) allowed larger variation of genetic code than other genetic systems.
Published Version
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 call