August 6, 2024

Ela Selin Akgün 

12th Grade

Isikkent High School

In other reported cases to this date, “TAA” and “TAG” are translated as the same amino acid when not used as stop codons. As Mcgowan explains, "In almost every other case we know of, TAA and TAG change in tandem. When they aren't stop codons, they each specify the same amino acid". However, Oligohymenophorea sp. PL0344 specifies TAA as lysine and TAG as glutamic acid. “This is extremely unusual”, Dr McGowan said. “We’re not aware of any other case where these stop codons are linked to two different amino acids. It breaks some of the rules we thought we knew about gene translation – these two codons were thought to be coupled. Scientists attempt to engineer new genetic codes - but they are also out there in nature. There are fascinating things we can find if we look for them. Or, in this case, when we are not looking for them”.

Despite the advancement and technological developments in genomics, scientists still believe that many genetic anomalies are waiting to be discovered. Learning more about these anomalies and differences also helps scientists gain deeper insights into evolution and other organism groups, such as protists, about which we currently have limited information. Dr. McGowan's findings open new avenues for research into genetic coding mechanisms and evolutionary biology, providing valuable insights into how genetic diversity can arise and be maintained in various organisms. 

Moreover, studying these genetic anomalies can shed light on the evolutionary history of protists and other less-understood organism groups. Protists, being a diverse and ancient group of microorganisms, hold many secrets about the early evolution of eukaryotes. Uncovering the genetic intricacies of species like Oligohymenophorea sp. PL0344 can offer clues about how complex life forms have evolved and adapted to various environments over millions of years.