The mold, protozoan, and coelenterate mitochondrial code and the mycoplasma/spiroplasma code

The Mold, Protozoan, and Coelenterate Mitochondrial Code and the Mycoplasma/Spiroplasma Code is a specific genetic code used by certain organisms in the translation of DNA into proteins. This code is unique to these organisms and differs from the standard genetic code used by most other organisms.

Overview

The mitochondria of molds, protozoans, and coelenterates, as well as the bacteria Mycoplasma and Spiroplasma, use a different genetic code than the standard one. This code is known as the Mold, Protozoan, and Coelenterate Mitochondrial Code and the Mycoplasma/Spiroplasma Code.

Differences from the Standard Code

The main difference between this code and the standard genetic code is the assignment of the codons UGA, AUA, and AUG. In the standard code, UGA codes for the amino acid tryptophan, AUA codes for isoleucine, and AUG codes for methionine. However, in the Mold, Protozoan, and Coelenterate Mitochondrial Code and the Mycoplasma/Spiroplasma Code, UGA codes for tryptophan, AUA codes for methionine, and AUG codes for isoleucine.

Implications

The existence of this alternative genetic code has important implications for our understanding of evolution and genetic diversity. It suggests that the genetic code is not universal, but can vary between different organisms. This has led to the proposal of the concept of the "frozen accident" theory, which suggests that the genetic code was established early in the history of life and has remained largely unchanged due to the catastrophic consequences of any changes.

See Also

• Genetic code
• Mitochondria
• DNA
• Protein
• Evolution
• Genetic diversity

The mold, protozoan, and coelenterate mitochondrial code and the mycoplasma/spiroplasma code Resources
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