Abstract
Since the discovery of the genetic code, various models for its origin and evolution have been developed. One of these models is based on the assumption that in primitve cells a completely random, highly ambiguous set of codon assignments, coding for a restricted number of amino acids, existed (Woese, 1965). As a result of ongoing evolutionary processes this ambiguous assignment grew more specific in the sense that ‘primitive’ codons became associated with groups of amino acids bearing similar side chains (such as hydrophobic, or aromatic amino acids). The specificity of these assignments greatly depended on the ‘functional importance’ of the amino acid. Continuous reduction of errors in codon translation ultimately refined this assignment to the specificity of present day biology.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Balasubramanian R, Seetharamulu P. 1985. Origins of Life:Conformational Energy on Primitive tRNA Nestling an Amino Acid. Journal of theoretical Biology 113: 15–28.
Beaudry AA, Joyce GF. 1992. Directed Evolution of an RNA Enzyme. Science 257: 635–641.
Cadwell RC, Joyce GF. 1992. Randomization of Genes by PCR Mutagenesis. PCR Methods and Applications 2: 28–33.
Crick FHC. 1968. The Origin of the Genetic Code. Journal of Molecular Biology 38: 367–379.
Famulok M. 1993. Molecular Recognition of Amino Acids by RNA- Aptamers: An L-Citrulline Binding RNA Motif and its Evolution into an L-Arginine Binder. Journal of the American Chemical Society Manuscript submitted.
Famulok M, Szostak JW. 1992a. Stereospecific Recognition of Tryptophan Agarose by in Vitro Selected RNA. Journal of the American Chemical Society 114: 3990–3991.
Famulok M, Szostak JW. 1992b. In Vitro Selection of Specific Ligand- binding Nucleic Acids. Angewandte Chemie. International Edition in English 31: 979–988.
Gilbert W. 1986. The RNA World. Nature 319: 618.
Lehman N, Joyce GF. 1993. Evolution in vitro of an RNA enzyme with altered metal dependence. Nature 361: 182–185.
Pugilisi DP, Tan R, Calnan BJ, Frankel AD, Williamson JR. 1992. Conformation of the TAR RNA-Arginine Complex by NMR Spectroscopy. Science 257: 76–80.
Shimizu M. 1982. Molecular Basis for the Genetic Code. Journal of Molecular Evolution 18: 297–303.
Shimizu M. 1987. Precise ultraviolet absorbance study of the interactions of amino acids and mononucleosides in aqueous solution. Biophysical Chemistry 28: 169–174.
Szathmary E. 1993. Coding coenzyme handles: A hypothesis for the origin of the genetic code Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America In print.
Weber AL, Lacey, Jr. JC. 1978. Genetic Code Correlation: Amino Acids and Their Anticodon Nucleotides. Journal of Molecular Evolution 11: 199–210.
Woese CR. 1965. On the Evolution of the Genetic Code. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 54: 1546–1552.
Yarus M. 1988. A specific amino acid site composed of RNA. Science 240: 1751–1758.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1994 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Burgstaller, P., Faulhammer, D., Famulok, M. (1994). Molecular Recognition of Amino Acids by RNA. In: Fleischaker, G.R., Colonna, S., Luisi, P.L. (eds) Self-Production of Supramolecular Structures. NATO ASI Series, vol 446. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-0754-9_24
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-0754-9_24
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-94-010-4324-3
Online ISBN: 978-94-011-0754-9
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive