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Mathematical modelling of segregation processes in microbial populations containing a single plasmid species

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Acta Physica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae

Abstract

This paper presents two mathematical models for plasmid segregation processes of bacteria containing a single plasmid species with various copies. A Markov chain model allows to study the general properties of these processes for stable inheritance of the plasmid and for plasmid loss during continuous culture. The other, more specialized model is based upon the following assumptions: (1) random replication of the plasmid copies concerning the replicated copy number, (2) equal number partitioning of the copies after replication into the daughter cell.

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Dedicated to Prof. I. Tarján on his 70th birthday.

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Müller, G., Noack, D., Schorcht, R. et al. Mathematical modelling of segregation processes in microbial populations containing a single plasmid species. Acta Physica 53, 255–262 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03156195

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