Ordering events in a developing genetic code.

Preexisting partial genetic codes can fuse to evolve towards the complete Standard Genetic Code (SGC). Such code fusion provides a path of 'least selection', readily generating precursor codes that resemble the SGC. Consequently, such least selections produce the SGC via minimal, thus rapid, change.

The Genetic Code Assembles via Division and Fusion, Basic Cellular Events.

Standard Genetic Code (SGC) evolution is quantitatively modeled in up to 2000 independent coding 'environments'. Environments host multiple codes that may fuse or divide, with division yielding identical descendants. Code division may be selected-sophisticated gene products could be required for an orderly separation that preserves the coding.

A crescendo of competent coding (c3) contains the Standard Genetic Code.

The Standard Genetic Code (SGC) can arise by fusion of partial codes evolved in different individuals, perhaps for differing prior tasks. Such code fragments can be unified into an SGC after later evolution of accurate third-position Crick wobble. Late wobble advent fills in the coding table, leaving only later development of translational initiation and termination to reach the SGC in separated domains of life.

Fitting the standard genetic code into its triplet table.

Minimally evolved codes are constructed here; these have randomly chosen standard genetic code (SGC) triplets, completed with completely random triplet assignments. Such "genetic codes" have not evolved, but retain SGC qualities. Retained qualities are basic, part of the underpinning of coding.

Evolution of the Standard Genetic Code.

A near-universal Standard Genetic Code (SGC) implies a single origin for present Earth life. To study this unique event, I compute paths to the SGC, comparing different plausible histories. Notably, SGC-like coding emerges from traditional evolutionary mechanisms, and a superior route can be identified.