Modelling cell growth in plants and animals
by
Britta Basse
Maths & Stats Dept, University of Canterbury
Coauthors: Prof. Graeme Wake (University of Canterbury), Assoc Prof. David Wall (University of Canterbury)

In the presence of the necessary requirements for growth, a typical plant or animal cell enters a cycle where it must double in size and completely replicate its internal structure before dividing into two identical daughter cells. A cell cluster may, after a period of time, settle into a steady size distribution. In this presentation a simplified model of the biological processes of cell growth, division and mortality is examined. Parameter values which give rise to a steady size distribution will be derived and certain limitations and future developments of the model will be discussed.

Date received: September 28, 2000