Computational Studies in Astrobiology: DNA & Exoplanets

Abstract

Large data sets are challenging to analyze, let alone interpret. Computation can meet the challenge. This sandwich thesis describes two computational studies: 1) simulations involving hypothetical genetic codes and 2) reducing high-dimensional extrasolar data. In the first study, I investigate the role of terminator codons in mutation error minimization. In the second study, I use Principal Component Analysis to explore data for celestial objects classified as exoplanets. I conclude that 1) the inclusion of terminator codons in error minimization analyses involving penalties provide further insight on their possible role in genetic code evolution while still producing a low ranking when penalties are minimal and 2) that the outlying situation of Fomalhaut B vindicates prior suspicions as to its planetary status.