The evolutionary origin of the genetic code (P11)

遗传密码的进化起源知之甚少。通过使用动力学测序来研究某些RNA序列是否比其他RNA序列更快地被氨酰化，我们将确定反应的特异性，测试不同RNA支架和替代活化化学以及某些添加剂对氨酰化反应的速率和特异性的影响。这些结果将与探索这种翻译如何在益生元环境中通过功能优势出现的实验联系起来。我们的目标是探索遗传密码是随机事件还是分子反应性和亲和力的结果。

The evolutionary origin of the genetic code is poorly understood. By using kinetic sequencing to investigate whether certain RNA sequences are aminoacylated faster than others, we will determine the specificity of the reaction, test the influence of different RNA scaffolds and alternative activation chemistries as well as certain additives on rate and specificity of the aminoacylation reaction. These results will be linked to experiments that probe how this translation could emerge by a functional advantage in prebiotic settings. We aim to probe whether the genetic code was a random accident or a consequence of molecular reactivities and affinities.