Mitogenomics Reveals a Novel Genetic Code in Hemichordata.

The diverse array of codon reassignments demonstrate that the genetic code is not universal in nature. Exploring mechanisms underlying codon reassignment is critical for understanding the evolution of the genetic code during translation. Hemichordata, comprising worm-like Enteropneusta and colonial filter-feeding Pterobranchia, is the sister taxon of echinoderms and is more distantly related to chordates.