A model for the development of genetic translation.

Several models have been advanced, both in this journal and others, for the development of the genetic code and translation apparatus. Eigen in particular has put forward a detailed model based on the hypercycle. This paper uses some of these previous ideas to develop a new model of the code and translation in which the pairs AU and GC play complementary roles, and in which tRNAs develop from a molecule with two loops which stacks in repetitive patterns without the need for a messenger RNA. Thus a bridge is provided between random, (or autocatalytic) polymerization, and coded translation. In addition, alternative postulates to several of Eigen's ideas are tested by computer simulation.