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Why is the Number of DNA Bases 4?

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Abstract

In this paper we construct a mathematical model for DNA replication based on Shannon's mathematical theory for communication. We treat DNA replication as a communication channel. We show that the mean replication rate is maximal with four nucleotide bases under the primary assumption that the pairing time of the G–C bases is between 1.65 and 3 times the pairing time of the A–T bases.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mathematics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA

    Bo Deng

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  1. Bo Deng
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Correspondence to Bo Deng.

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Deng, B. Why is the Number of DNA Bases 4?. Bull. Math. Biol. 68, 727–733 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11538-005-9019-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11538-005-9019-y

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