We examine the standard genetic code with three stop codons. Assuming that the synchronization period of length 3 in DNA or RNA is violated during the transcription or translation processes, the probability of reading a frameshifted stop codon is higher than if the code would have only one stop codon. Consequently, the synthesis of RNA or proteins will soon terminate. In this way, cells do not produce undesirable proteins and essentially save energy. This hypothesis is tested on the AT-rich Drosophila genome, where the detection of frameshifted stop codons is even higher than the theoretical value. Using the binomial theorem, we establish the probability of reading a frameshifted stop codon within n steps. Since the genetic code is largely redundant, there is still space for some hidden secondary functions of this code. In particular, because stop codons do not contain cytosine, random C → U and C → T mutations in the third position of codons increase the number of hidden frameshifted stops and simultaneously the same amino acids are coded. This evolutionary advantage is demonstrated on the genomes of several simple species, e.g. Escherichia coli.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtbi.2012.03.026 | DOI Listing |
Animals (Basel)
January 2025
Fisheries College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China.
Br J Dermatol
January 2025
Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a genetic disorder due to pathogenic variants in the COL7A1 gene. In this study we determined the association between different categories of COL7A1 variants and clinical disease severity in 236 RDEB patients in North America. Published reports or in-silico predictions were used to assess the impact of pathogenic variants in COL7A1 on type VII collagen (C7) protein function.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNucleic Acids Res
January 2025
National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
Thiolation, a post-transcriptional modification catalyzed by Uba4-Urm1-Ncs2/Ncs6 pathway in three specific transfer RNAs (tRNAs), is conserved from yeast to humans and plays an important role in enhancing codon-anticodon interaction and translation efficiency. Yet, except for affecting effector secretion, its roles in plant pathogenic fungi are not fully understood. Here, we used Magnaporthe oryzae as a model system to illustrate the vital role of s2U34 modification on the appressorium-mediated virulence.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHemoglobin
January 2025
Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Duhok, Duhok, Iraq.
The knowledge of the prevalence and molecular basis of β-hemoglobinopathies constitutes an important prerequisite for an effective prevention program. To address this issue in Iraq's capital, Baghdad, a total of 12526 individuals (6263 couples) attending three main Premarital Screening centers were enrolled. Individuals were labeled as β-hemoglobin disorders based on full blood counts and high-performance liquid chromatography.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMicroorganisms
December 2024
Department of Applied Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea.
, the causal agent of fire blight, poses a serious threat to several rosaceous plants, especially apples and pears. In this study, a spontaneous streptomycin-resistant strain (EaSmR) was isolated under laboratory conditions. Compared with the parental strain TS3128, the EaSmR strain exhibited high resistance to streptomycin (>100,000 µg/mL) and showed a significant reduction in both swimming and swarming motility.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!