From quantum groups to genetic mutations

Abstract

In the framework of the crystal basis model of the genetic code, where each codon is assigned to an irreducible representation of $U_{q \to 0}(sl(2) \oplus sl(2))$, single base mutation matrices are introduced. The strength of the mutation is assumed to depend on the "distance" between the codons. Preliminary general predictions of the model are compared with experimental data, with a satisfactory agreement.