Stability of the Cellular Translation Process

Abstract

This chapter discusses the stability of the cellular translation process. It also describes models of error propagation. To make a full study of the theoretical dynamics of error propagation requires that each level of macromolecular information transfer be considered. These include transcription and translation as well as DNA replication and repair because errors in the synthesis of DNA polymerases and repair enzymes can give rise to mutations in genes coding for information handling molecules. The chapter outlines the evolutionary considerations in the context of cellular translation. Various models have been proposed based on properties of the genetic code, while others have developed from the assumption that there existed an initially random autocatalytic system comprising polypeptides and polynucleotides. The chapter explains the measurement of error rates and the turnover of proteins and messages. © 1984, Academic Press Inc.