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arXiv:q-bio/0605036q-bio.PE

Collective evolution and the genetic code

Kalin Vetsigian, Carl Woese, Nigel Goldenfeld

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Abstract

A dynamical theory for the evolution of the genetic code is presented, which accounts for its universality and optimality. The central concept is that a variety of collective, but non-Darwinian, mechanisms likely to be present in early communal life generically lead to refinement and selection of innovation-sharing protocols, such as the genetic code. Our proposal is illustrated using a simplified computer model, and placed within the context of a sequence of transitions that early life may have made, prior to the emergence of vertical descent.

arXiv comments
Journal reference
DOI
doi:10.1073/pnas.0603780103
Subjects
q-bio.PEPopulations and Evolution nlin.AOAdaptation and Self-Organizing Systems

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  1. A biological camera that captures and stores images directly into DNA 1 comment

    • A classic armchair response. DNA has complementary nucleotides (AT,GC) that facilitates its pairing. Base 3 wouldn’t work in that sense. Also, you can’t forget about the genetic code. See https://arxiv.org/pdf/q-bio/0605036.pdf for interesting thoughts. Remember, evolutionary…

      t_serpicoView on HNParent context

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