Open AccessA model for asymmetrical cell division
Author(s) -
Ali Ashher Zaidi,
Bruce van Brunt,
G. C. Wake
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
mathematical biosciences and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.451
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1551-0018
pISSN - 1547-1063
DOI - 10.3934/mbe.2015.12.491
Subject(s) - division (mathematics) , geology , computer science , mathematics , arithmetic
We present a model that describes the growth, division and death of a cell population structured by size. The model is an extension of that studied by Hall and Wake (1989) and incorporates the asymmetric division of cells. We consider the case of binary asymmetrical splitting in which a cell of size ε divides into two daughter cells of different sizes and find the steady size distribution (SSD) solution to the non-local differential equation. We then discuss the shape of the SSD solution. The existence of higher eigenfunctions is also discussed.