| Literature DB >> 16818880 |
Kalin Vetsigian1, Carl Woese, Nigel Goldenfeld.
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 by using a simplified computer model and placed within the context of a sequence of transitions that early life may have made, before the emergence of vertical descent.Mesh:
Year: 2006 PMID: 16818880 PMCID: PMC1502294 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0603780103
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ISSN: 0027-8424 Impact factor: 11.205