Rewiring the keyboard: evolvability of the genetic code.
The genetic code evolved in two distinct phases. First, the 'canonical' code emerged before the last universal ancestor; subsequently, this code diverged in numerous nuclear and organelle lineages. Here, we examine the distribution and causes of these secondary deviations from the canonical genetic code. The majority of non-standard codes arise from alterations in the tRNA, with most occurring by post-transcriptional modifications, such as base modification or RNA editing, rather than by substitutions within tRNA anticodons.
Knight
R D
RD
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA. rdknight@princeton.edu
Freeland
S J
SJ
Landweber
L F
LF
D000818:Animals; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D005815:Genetic Code; D009154:Mutation; D010802:Phylogeny; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012323:RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional; D012343:RNA, Transfer / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
D012343:RNA, Transfer