Hydropathic anti-complementarity of amino acids based on the genetic code

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1984 May 31;121(1):203-7. doi: 10.1016/0006-291x(84)90707-1.

Abstract

An interesting pattern in the genetic code has been discovered. Codons for hydrophilic and hydrophobic amino acids on one strand of DNA are complemented by codons for hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acids on the other DNA strand, respectively. The average tendency of codons for "uncharged" (slightly hydrophilic) amino acids is to be complemented by codons for "uncharged" amino acids.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / genetics*
  • Chemical Phenomena
  • Chemistry
  • Codon*
  • DNA*
  • Genetic Code*
  • RNA, Messenger*
  • Solubility

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Codon
  • RNA, Messenger
  • DNA