title: Evolution of a genetic code simulated with the computer.
abstract: A simple selforganizing model system of molecules is considered and it is demonstrated by a computer simulation, that a genetic code of 16 elements (aminoacids) can gradually be formed by such a system in the course of many generations. By a number of rare chance events, each suppressing other events of equal a priori probability, a single code results out of an immense number of possible codes of the same a priori probability. The result is discussed in relation to the uniqueness of the genetic code in living systems. The computer simulation emphasizes a particular step in a model pathway discussed elsewhere consisting of many assumed physicochemical steps leading to a genetic apparatus.
mesh_terms: D001483:Base Sequence; D005075:Biological Evolution; D003201:Computers; D005815:Genetic Code; D008954:Models, Biological; D011687:Purines; D011743:Pyrimidines
chemical_list: D011687:Purines; D011743:Pyrimidines