Codon usage in vertebrates is associated with a low risk of acquiring nonsense mutations

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Codon usage in genomes is biased towards specific subsets of codons. Codon usage bias affects translational speed and accuracy, and it is associated with the tRNA levels and the GC content of the genome. Spontaneous mutations drive genomes to a low GC content. Active cellular processes are needed to maintain a high GC content, which influences the codon usage of a species. Loss-of-function mutations, such as nonsense mutations, are the molecular basis of many recessive alleles, which can greatly affect the genome of an organism and are the cause of many genetic diseases in humans.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We developed an event based model to calculate the risk of acquiring nonsense mutations in coding sequences. Complete coding sequences and genomes of 40 eukaryotes were analyzed for GC and CpG content, codon usage, and the associated risk of acquiring nonsense mutations. We included one species per genus for all eukaryotes with available reference sequence.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We discovered that the codon usage bias detected in genomes of high GC content decreases the risk of acquiring nonsense mutations (Pearson's <it>r </it>= -0.95; <it>P </it>< 0.0001). In the genomes of all examined vertebrates, including humans, this risk was lower than expected (0.93 ± 0.02; mean ± SD) and lower than the risk in genomes of non-vertebrates (1.02 ± 0.13; <it>P </it>= 0.019).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>While the maintenance of a high GC content is energetically costly, it is associated with a codon usage bias harboring a low risk of acquiring nonsense mutations. The reduced exposure to this risk may contribute to the fitness of vertebrates.</p

Device for producing a gas mixture

The invention relates to a device for producing a gas mixture consisting of HMDSO and oxygen, whereby process gas is produced. In order to be able to continuously produce a large volume of process gas using such a device and to be able to withdraw the same at practical processable temperatures, the invention provides that a number of filling packages (2) are stacked in an elongated essentially vertical column (1) that can be cooled. In addition, an inlet tube (3), which is inserted into the column (1) from the exterior, and a gas outlet connection (6), which leads to the exterior, are secured in the upper area of said column (1). Devices (26) are also provided for measuring the temperature, the pressure and the amount of the exiting gas mixture. In addition, a distribution cup (29) which spans the cross-section of the column (1) and which is provided with gas flow-through openings (38) is placed underneath the inner discharge end (4) of the inlet tube (3)

Vorrichtung zum Herstellen eines Gasgemisches

The invention relates to a device for producing a gas mixture consisting of HMDSO and oxygen, whereby process gas is produced. In order to be able to continuously produce a large volume of process gas using such a device and to be able to withdraw the same at practical processable temperatures, the invention provides that a number of filling packages (2) are stacked in an elongated essentially vertical column (1) that can be cooled. In addition, an inlet tube (3), which is inserted into the column (1) from the exterior, and a gas outlet connection (6), which leads to the exterior, are secured in the upper area of said column (1). Devices (26) are also provided for measuring the temperature, the pressure and the amount of the exiting gas mixture. In addition, a distribution cup (29) which spans the cross-section of the column (1) and which is provided with gas flow-through openings (38) is placed underneath the inner discharge end (4) of the inlet tube (3)

Apparatus for producing gas mixture from hexamethyldisiloxane and carrier gas, e.g. oxygen, as process gas comprises filling packing arranged in a vertical column which can be cooled

The invention relates to a device for producing a gas mixture consisting of HMDSO and oxygen, whereby process gas is produced. In order to be able to continuously produce a large volume of process gas using such a device and to be able to withdraw the same at practical processable temperatures, the invention provides that a number of filling packages (2) are stacked in an elongated essentially vertical column (1) that can be cooled. In addition, an inlet tube (3), which is inserted into the column (1) from the exterior, and a gas outlet connection (6), which leads to the exterior, are secured in the upper area of said column (1). Devices (26) are also provided for measuring the temperature, the pressure and the amount of the exiting gas mixture. In addition, a distribution cup (29) which spans the cross-section of the column (1) and which is provided with gas flow-through openings (38) is placed underneath the inner discharge end (4) of the inlet tube (3)