Abstract
The Standard Genetic Code (SGC) can arise by fusion of partial codes evolved in different individuals, perhaps for differing prior tasks. Such code fragments can be unified into an SGC after late evolution of accurate third-position Crick wobble. Late wobble advent fills in the coding table, leaving only later development of final translational initiation and termination coding in separate domains of life. This code fusion mechanism is computationally implemented, and c3 fusion before late Crick wobble (c3-lCw) is tested for its ability to evolve the SGC in tens of thousands of trials. Compared with the previously-studied evolution of isolated coding tables, or with a population of increasing numbers of similar non-fusing codes, code fusions reach the SGC sooner, work in a smaller population, present more accurate and more complete codes more frequently, and expose SGC-like codes to selection for longer times than non-fusion mechanisms. Strikingly, c3-lCw also suppresses varied disordered assignments, helping to create a unified coding table. Thus, calculations confirm that c3-lCw code fusions provide a credible evolutionary route to the SGC.
Competing Interest Statement
The authors have declared no competing interest.