title: Optimization and the genetic code.
abstract: The present paper will focus on the relation between the structure of the table of the genetic code and the evolution of primitive organisms: it will be shown that the organization of the code table according to an optimization principle based on the notion of resistance to errors can provide a criterium for selection. The ordered aspect of the genetic code table makes this result a plausible starting point for studies of the origin and evolution of the genetic code: these could include, besides a more refined optimization principle at the logical level, some effects more directly related to the physico-chemical context, and the construction of realistic models incorporating both aspects.
authors.affiliation: Institut de Physique Nucléaire (et IN2P3). Université Lyon-I, Villeurbanne, France.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Figureau
mesh_terms: D005075:Biological Evolution; D005815:Genetic Code; D006801:Humans; D008957:Models, Genetic