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Genetic Hotels for the Standard Genetic Code: Evolutionary Analysis Based upon Novel Three-Dimensional Algebraic Models

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Abstract

Herein, we rigorously develop novel 3-dimensional algebraic models called Genetic Hotels of the Standard Genetic Code (SGC). We start by considering the primeval RNA genetic code which consists of the 16 codons of type RNY (purine-any base-pyrimidine). Using simple algebraic operations, we show how the RNA code could have evolved toward the current SGC via two different intermediate evolutionary stages called Extended RNA code type I and II. By rotations or translations of the subset RNY, we arrive at the SGC via the former (type I) or via the latter (type II), respectively. Biologically, the Extended RNA code type I, consists of all codons of the type RNY plus codons obtained by considering the RNA code but in the second (NYR type) and third (YRN type) reading frames. The Extended RNA code type II, comprises all codons of the type RNY plus codons that arise from transversions of the RNA code in the first (YNY type) and third (RNR) nucleotide bases. Since the dimensions of remarkable subsets of the Genetic Hotels are not necessarily integer numbers, we also introduce the concept of algebraic fractal dimension. A general decoding function which maps each codon to its corresponding amino acid or the stop signals is also derived. The Phenotypic Hotel of amino acids is also illustrated. The proposed evolutionary paths are discussed in terms of the existing theories of the evolution of the SGC. The adoption of 3-dimensional models of the Genetic and Phenotypic Hotels will facilitate the understanding of the biological properties of the SGC.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Theoretical Biology Group, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico, D.F. 04510, Mexico

    Marco V. José & Tzipe Govezensky

  2. Facultad de Matemática, Física y Computación, Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” de Las Villas, Santa Clara, Cuba

    Eberto R. Morgado

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  1. Marco V. José
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  2. Eberto R. Morgado
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Correspondence to Marco V. José.

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José, M.V., Morgado, E.R. & Govezensky, T. Genetic Hotels for the Standard Genetic Code: Evolutionary Analysis Based upon Novel Three-Dimensional Algebraic Models. Bull Math Biol 73, 1443–1476 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11538-010-9571-y

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