A crescendo of competent coding (c3) contains the Standard Genetic Code

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 later 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 in separate domains of life. This code fusion mechanism is computationally implemented here. C3 fusion before late Crick wobble (c3-lCw) is tested for its ability to evolve the SGC. Compared with the previously-studied evolution of isolated coding tables, or with increasing numbers of similar, but non-fusing codes, code fusions reach the SGC sooner, work in a smaller population, and present more accurate and more complete codes more frequently. Notably, a crescendo of SGC-like codes is exposed to selection for an extended period. c3-lCw also effectively suppresses varied disordered assignments, unifying the coding table. Such codes approach the SGC, making its selection seem likely. Given unexceptional conditions, {approx} 1 of 22 c3-lCw environments evolves codes with [≥] 20 assignments and [≤] 3 differences from the SGC, including some with assignments identical to the SGC.