The origin of the genetic code and of the earliest oligopeptides.
Reconstruction of the earliest proteins in the ancient binary alphabet [glycine family G, alanine family A] leads to repeats of G alternating with repeats of A. In addition, omnipresent motifs can be assembled in two of the earliest genes involved in energy supply, crucial for Life, i.e. ATP/GTP binding and ATPase activity. They are an almost perfect match to the alternating G and A and are complementary to each other.
Trifonov
Edward N
EN
Genome Diversity Center, Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel. trifonov@research.haifa.ac.il
D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism; D020816:Amino Acid Motifs; D001665:Binding Sites; D005075:Biological Evolution; D020134:Catalytic Domain; D005815:Genetic Code; D006160:Guanosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics*
D009842:Oligopeptides; D006160:Guanosine Triphosphate; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate