Forbidden codon combinations in error-detecting circular codes.

Abstract

Circular codes, which are considered as putative remnants of primaeval comma-free codes, have recently become a focal point of research. These codes constitute a secondary type of genetic code, primarily tasked with detecting and preserving the normal reading frame within protein-coding sequences. The identification of a universal code present across various species has sparked numerous theoretical and experimental inquiries. Among these, the exploration of the class of 216 self-complementary $C^3$ -codes of maximum size 20 has garnered significant attention. However, the origin of the number 216 lacks a satisfactory explanation, and the mathematical construction of these codes remains elusive. This paper introduces a new software designed to facilitate the construction of self-complementary $C^3$ -codes (of maximum size). The approach involves a systematic exclusion of codons, guided by two fundamental mathematical theorems. These theorems demonstrate how codons can be automatically excluded from consideration when imposing requirements such as self-complementarity, circularity or maximality. By leveraging these theorems, our software provides a novel and efficient means to construct these intriguing circular codes, shedding light on their mathematical foundations and contributing to a deeper understanding of their biological significance.