Codon and Reverse Codon: A Theoretical Approach to Reinterpret the Genetic Code Table

Abstract

The genetic code table represents a fundamental scheme to translate a genetic code into a sequence of amino acids and, therefore, the possibility of operating the synthesis of all the proteins necessary for the life of organisms. Unfortunately, the various biological mechanisms are not fully clear. Hence, in this report, we analyzed the genetic code table and the amino acids codified by codons with an original theoretical and statistical approach based on the concept of permutations. We found an interesting reinterpretation of many codons, as reverse codons, which could help clarify some as-yet-unknown aspects in the field of protein folding.

Keywords: amino acid; codon; d-amino acids; genetic code table; l-amino acid; nucleotide; reverse codon.

Figure 1. Stereochemical arrangement for L- and D-alanine

Figure 2. Codons, r-codons, and M-amino acids linked to leucine

Figure 3. Real structure shown with Avogadro software: (a) cartoons; (b) backbone

Figure 4. Real structure simulated with Avogadro software: (a) cartoons; (b) backbone

Figure 5. Theoretical structure simulated with Avogadro software where L-Leu was replaced with D-Ile: (a) cartoons; (b) backbone