Reassessing the Notion of a Second Genetic Code, A Historical Review and a Path Toward Clearer Genomic Classification

Bijan B Mohanty

Abstract: In this review article, the author describes the circumstances behind the origin of the term "Second Genetic Code". its expected features, and the hype generated by the so-called discovery of the code, fueled by media reports as far back as in 1988, only to be proved untrue subsequently. However, every time a sequence code was found in DNA or protein, the same was touted as the Second Genetic Code, and media publicity buzz followed. It almost became a joke that there were four to five Second Genetic Codes doing the rounds. None of these so-called codes either resembled or had any link, either structural or functional, with the Standard Genetic Code. The author charts out those chronological developments and attempts to suggest a fresh classification of genomic codes to avoid the prevalent confusion and put the codes in a more defined framework. The above confusing scenario also prompts one to ponder objectively as to what is exactly meant by the Second Genetic Code and whether such a code exists at all. The same was recently addressed in a quantitative manner, which raises a fresh hope of discovering the second genetic code.

Keywords: Genetic Code, Standard Genetic Code, Second Genetic Code, acceptor stem code, genomic code sequence

How to Cite?: Bijan B Mohanty, "Reassessing the Notion of a Second Genetic Code, A Historical Review and a Path Toward Clearer Genomic Classification", Volume 14 Issue 11, November 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1470-1473, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251120184517, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251120184517