Mesodinium nuclear code

Mesodinium nuclear code is a unique genetic code used by the ciliate genus Mesodinium. This code is one of the few known deviations from the universal genetic code, and it is characterized by the reassignment of the UAG and UAA codons, which usually signal stop, to encode for glutamine in Mesodinium.

Overview

The Mesodinium genus is a group of marine ciliates that are known for their mixotrophic lifestyle, combining photosynthesis and heterotrophy. The unique nuclear code of Mesodinium was discovered during studies of its genome, which revealed that it uses a different genetic code from most other organisms.

Genetic Code

In the Mesodinium nuclear code, the UAG and UAA codons, which usually signal stop in the universal genetic code, are reassigned to encode for glutamine. This reassignment is thought to be facilitated by a unique tRNA that recognizes the UAG and UAA codons and carries glutamine.

Implications

The discovery of the Mesodinium nuclear code has important implications for our understanding of genetic code evolution. It suggests that the genetic code can be more flexible than previously thought, and that deviations from the universal genetic code may be more common in nature than previously assumed.

See Also

• Genetic code
• Ciliate
• Mesodinium
• Genetic code evolution

References

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