The genetic code as a periodic table: algebraic aspects

The systematics of indices of physico-chemical properties of codons and amino acids across the genetic code are examined. Using a simple numerical labelling scheme for nucleic acid bases, A = (-1,0), C = (0,-1) G = (0,1), U = (1,0), data can be fitted as low order polynomials of the six coordinates in the 64-dimensional codon weight space. The work confirms and extends the recent studies by Siemion et al. (1995. BioSystems 36, 231-238) of the conformational parameters. Fundamental patterns in the data such as codon periodicities, and related harmonics and reflection symmetries, are here associated with the structure of the set of basis monomials chosen for fitting. Results are plotted using the Siemion one-step mutation ring scheme, and variants thereof. The connections between the present work, and recent studies of the genetic code structure using dynamical symmetry algebras, are pointed out. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.