Model approach of the breakthrough of a translation machine and the origin of the genetic code

The use of bonding between tRNAs to implement early peptide synthesis

Continuation of early evolutionary bonding between tRNAs would provide a solution to residence time problems between peptidyl-tRNA and mRNA. It could also improve the speed of peptide bond formation by holding the amino acid close to the growing peptide. The tRNA clover leaf structure would allow each tRNA to form a T psi C(GA)-loop bond to one side and a D-loop bond to the other, hence fixing itself within a group of tRNAs, all attached to the mRNA. This can be developed into a system for peptide elongation in which bonds are made and broken in an ordered sequence, with each step triggering the next. This leads to a model system that fits with some recent proposals for a three-site ribosome.

Structural elements and organization of the ancestral translational machinery

The molecular mechanisms underlying the primitive translational apparatus have been studied in light of present day protein biosynthesis. Using the structural information available from the contemporary system as a key to its function, both the structural necessities for an early adaptor and the multipoint recognition properties of such adaptors have been investigated. This was done by first critically examining the potential feasibility of right- and left-handed hairpin adaptor models. Second, a molecular model of the contemporary transpeptidation complex has been constructed in order to ascertain the structural requirements of the adaptor molecule needed for peptidyl transfer. Third, a model of the tRNATyr-tyrosyl tRNA synthetase complex including the positioning of the disordered region is proposed. This model is used to illustrate those required recognition properties of aminoacyl synthetase which lead to a perspective on the structure of the ancestor synthetase.

Structural requirements for a primitive adaptor molecule

Adaptor properties of linear hairpin helices have been examined. The analysis suggests that neither right nor left handed hairpin helices can simultaneously read a comma free messenger and align aminoacyl residues for peptide condensation. Comparison of these studies with the model of the present day peptidyl transfer intermediate suggests that the "L" shaped folding of the present day tRNAs may be a prerequisite for adaptor function. Therefore, the three-dimensional organization of the ancestral adaptor molecule must have had structural features similar to its present day counterpart.

Emergence of adaptable systems and evolution of a translation device

An over-all organizational framework for the origin of life is outlined and attempts for realization are given. Evolution can be described as a process resulting in an increase of "knowledge" where knowledge is the number of carriers of genetic information discarded, on the average, until the evolutionary state under consideration is reached. A model for the evolution of a translation device, a crucial event in the origin of life, is described in detail. Aggregates of short polynucleotide strands in a hairpin conformation play a major role in this model. Experimental evidence for the selectivity of aggregation supports the idea of aggregates as error filters. Chromatographic separation as selection process during chemical evolution supports the model of the early translation device leading to the origin of the genetic code.