Mitochondrial DNA

[NewSpiderman]

I'm having a hard time finding any details regarding the differences between the genetic code within the nucleus and the mitochondria. There are some differences in the pairing of amino acids to codons, but does anyone know exactly why this is so? Are there different types of tRNA synthesized by each distinct genome which result in such disparities or is there another reason for these variations?

 

Any information, especially some references, would be appreciated.

 

 

Muchas gracias, peeps!

Edited May 7, 2013 by NewSpiderman

[Ringer]

I'm having a hard time finding any details regarding the differences between the genetic code within the nucleus and the mitochondria. There are some differences in the pairing of amino acids to codons, but does anyone know exactly why this is so? Are there different types of tRNA synthesized by each distinct genome which result in such disparities or is there another reason for these variations?

 

Any information, especially some references, would be appreciated.

 

 

Muchas gracias, peeps!

AS to why they're different, it's believed that mitochondria were a distinct organism at one time and we co-evolved with them as endosymbiots. If I have time today, I'll look through my textbooks to see if there is a reference to differing genetic codes for mitochondria and eukaryotes, but I don't think they differ. If they do, differing genetic codes have various reasons for occurring such as mutation in tRNA where the AA binds or mutation in tRNA in the anti-codon region.