Abstract
It has long been claimed that the mitochondrial genetic code possesses more symmetries than the Standard Genetic Code (SGC). To test this claim, the symmetrical structure of the SGC is compared with noncanonical genetic codes. We analyzed the symmetries of the graphs of codons and their respective phenotypic graph representation spanned by the RNY (R purines, Y pyrimidines, and N any of them) code, two RNA Extended codes, the SGC, as well as three different mitochondrial genetic codes from yeast, invertebrates, and vertebrates. The symmetry groups of the SGC and their corresponding phenotypic graphs of amino acids expose the evolvability of the SGC. Indeed, the analyzed mitochondrial genetic codes are more symmetrical than the SGC.
Highlights
The discovery of the structure of DNA [1] and the decipherment of the Standard Genetic Code (SGC) [2,3] are landmarks of scientific achievements
We examine how the SGC has led to new genetic codes by determining their symmetries
We analyze the symmetries of the graphs of codons and their respective phenotypic graph representation spanned by the RNY code, the two RNA Extended codes, and the complete code of 64 codons that comprises the SGC, as well as three different mitochondrial genetic codes from yeast, invertebrates, and vertebrates
Summary
The discovery of the structure of DNA [1] and the decipherment of the Standard Genetic Code (SGC) [2,3] are landmarks of scientific achievements. The elucidation of the origin and evolution of the SGC is a central problem in evolutionary biology. The SGC is nearly universal, with some minor exceptions. Crick proposed the frozen accident hypothesis to account for the universality of the SGC [4]. The universality of the SGC immediately implied a Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA). Evolution has to do with preserving or fixing some necessary properties of life
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.
