The God Molecule
Evolution of tRNA and the Genetic Code
1st Edition
Published on 25. August 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
283 pages
978-1-0364-5687-0 (ISBN)
Description
Life on Earth has been hacked and genetic coding is understood. Transfer RNA (tRNA) is the core feature in evolution of translation (protein synthesis) systems. The pre-life sequences of the first type I and type II tRNAs are now known with certainty. Pre-life tRNA sequences are a preserved molecular fossil that relate a clear story of the evolution of the genetic code and the origin of life. Because pre-life tRNA sequences were highly ordered (RNA repeats and inverted repeats), tRNA evolution was solved as a puzzle by inspection. The anticodon loop of tRNA is a specialized feature that was likely required to evolve living systems with a 3-nucleotide genetic code. To generate life on Earth or another moon or planet requires tRNA or another genetic adapter that is just as good. The genetic code evolved around the tRNA anticodon and its reading on the primitive ribosome. Analysis of tRNA, therefore, provides clear insights into evolution of the genetic code, ribosomes and the origin of life.
More details
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
11/2024
Cambridge Scholars Publishing
€114.08
Shipment within 15-20 days
Persons
Zachary F. Burton, PhD, is a Professor Emeritus from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, USA. Burton studied transcription (RNA synthesis) systems and their evolution. Burton discovered how tRNA evolved to the last nucleotide. Evolution of tRNA relates a story of the origin of life and evolution of the genetic code. Burton authored a book (Evolution Since Coding, Academic Press) and more than 70 papers in peer reviewed journals, including top journals.
Lei Lei, PhD, is a Professor from the School of Biological Sciences at the University of New England, USA, and a former student in the Burton laboratory. Lei studied transcriptional regulation of gene expression and tRNA evolution. Lei published 20 papers in peer reviewed journals.
Lei Lei, PhD, is a Professor from the School of Biological Sciences at the University of New England, USA, and a former student in the Burton laboratory. Lei studied transcriptional regulation of gene expression and tRNA evolution. Lei published 20 papers in peer reviewed journals.