title: A model for the development of genetic translation.
abstract: Several models have been advanced, both in this journal and others, for the development of the genetic code and translation apparatus. Eigen in particular has put forward a detailed model based on the hypercycle. This paper uses some of these previous ideas to develop a new model of the code and translation in which the pairs AU and GC play complementary roles, and in which tRNAs develop from a molecule with two loops which stacks in repetitive patterns without the need for a messenger RNA. Thus a bridge is provided between random, (or autocatalytic) polymerization, and coded translation. In addition, alternative postulates to several of Eigen's ideas are tested by computer simulation.
mesh_terms: D001482:Base Composition; D001483:Base Sequence; D002453:Cell Cycle; D003201:Computers; D008433:Mathematics; D008957:Models, Genetic; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D012343:RNA, Transfer / Q000235:genetics; D012270:Ribosomes / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012343:RNA, Transfer