Summary
The fundamental question of the randomness or non-randomness of protein sequences is studied utilizing information theory. Information parameters for random protein sequences are derived utilizing Monte Carlo methods. Real sequence parameters are compared with the random standards for sequences of a specific length.
Non-periodic proteins as a whole have random Shannon redundancies (R) except for the constraints imposed by their short length and the genetic code. This randomR value is conserved within the basic informational unit of proteins throughout the evolutionary process but not the components ofR, D 1, andD 2. Highly periodic proteins are identifiable by their highR value and their highD 1-lowD 2 pattern. A parameter for calculating the degree of periodicity is defined. There is an unexpected suggestion of generalized, residual periodicity in proteins as a whole.
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Gatlin, L.L. Conservation of Shannon's redundancy for proteins. J Mol Evol 3, 189–208 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01797453
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01797453