Researchers link genetic code origins to early protein structures

Researchers found the genetic code's origin is linked to early protein structures, specifically dipeptide compositions. This discovery offers new insights into life's evolutionary history. The study analyzed billions of dipeptide sequences across numerous organisms, revealing that the evolutionary histories of protein domains, transfer RNA, and dipeptides align, suggesting a co-evolutionary process. This research supports the theory that proteins played a foundational role in the genetic code's development, predating the full emergence of genes and the genetic code itself.