Information theory unveils the evolution of tRNA identity elements in the three domains of life.

We determined the identity elements of each tRNA isoacceptor for the three domains of life: Eubacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. Our analyses encompass the most updated and curated available databases using an information theory approach. We obtained a collection of identity clusters for each of the isoacceptors of the 20 canonical amino acids for the three major domains of life. The identity clusters for all isoacceptors are compared within and among the three domains to determine their pattern of differentiation and to shed light on the evolution of the identity elements.