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Genetic Code Error Minimization as a Non-Adaptive But Beneficial Trait

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Abstract

In a recent Letter, Di Giulio questions the use of the term ‘neutral’ when describing the process by which error minimization may have arisen as a side-product of genetic code expansion, resulting from the addition of similar amino acids to similar codons (Di Giulio, in J Mol Evol 86(9):593–597, 2018). However, I point out that in this scenario error minimization is non-adaptive, and so ‘neutral’ is an appropriate term to describe its imperviousness to direct selection. Error minimization is a form of mutational robustness, and so commonly viewed as beneficial. This in turn implies that not all beneficial traits may be adaptations generated by direct selection for that trait.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biology Department, University of Puerto Rico – Rio Piedras, San Juan, PR, 00931, USA

    Steven E. Massey

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  1. Steven E. Massey
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Correspondence to Steven E. Massey.

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Massey, S.E. Genetic Code Error Minimization as a Non-Adaptive But Beneficial Trait. J Mol Evol 87, 4–6 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00239-018-9880-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00239-018-9880-6

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