Rewiring the keyboard: evolvability of the genetic code

R D Knight; S J Freeland; L F Landweber

doi:10.1038/35047500

Rewiring the keyboard: evolvability of the genetic code

Nat Rev Genet. 2001 Jan;2(1):49-58. doi: 10.1038/35047500.

Authors

R D Knight¹, S J Freeland, L F Landweber

Affiliation

¹ Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA. rdknight@princeton.edu

PMID: 11253070
DOI: 10.1038/35047500

Abstract

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.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Evolution, Molecular*
Genetic Code*
Mutation
Phylogeny*
Protein Biosynthesis
RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional
RNA, Transfer / genetics*
RNA, Transfer / metabolism

Substances

RNA, Transfer