Genetic code ambiguity confers a selective advantage on Acinetobacter baylyi.
A primitive genetic code, composed of a smaller set of amino acids, may have expanded via recursive periods of genetic code ambiguity that were followed by specificity. Here we model a step in this process by showing how genetic code ambiguity could result in an enhanced growth rate in Acinetobacter baylyi.
Bacher
Jamie M
JM
The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Rd., BCC-379, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Waas
William F
WF
Metzgar
David
D
de Crécy-Lagard
Valérie
V
Schimmel
Paul
P
D000150:Acinetobacter / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development*; D005815:Genetic Code