title: Bacteriophage MS2 RNA: a correlation between the stability of the codon: anticodon interaction and the choice of code words.
abstract: The non-random distribution of degenerate code words in Bacteriophage MS2 RNA can be explained partially by considerations of the stability of the codon-anticodon complex in prokaryotic systems. Supporting this hypothesis we note that wobble codons are positively selected in codons having G and/or C in the first two positions. In contrast, wobble codons are statistically less likely in codons composed of A and U in the first two positions. Analyses of nucleotides adjacent to 5' and 3' ends of codons indicate a nonrandom distribution as well. It is thus likely that some elements of RNA evolution are independent of the structural needs of the RNA itself and of the translated protein product.
mesh_terms: D000926:Anticodon; D003062:Codon; D003090:Coliphages / Q000235:genetics*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics; D005815:Genetic Code; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012343:RNA, Transfer; D013816:Thermodynamics
chemical_list: D000926:Anticodon; D003062:Codon; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012343:RNA, Transfer