From 2007.igem.org

Model

To establish a system following Pareto’s principle, the system must satisfy the following three cases. In our model, all nodes have the same genetic circuits and take two states, A (worker) and B (idler), depending on the surrounding circumstances.

Condition 1. Bistable state

The system is stable containing nodes A and B at certain ratio.

Condition 2. Unstable state with node A removed

Removed of node A, the system contains only node B and becomes unstable. Node B detects the removal of node A from the system and knows that there is only node B left.

Condition 3. From unstable to stable state

In an unstable state, some node B become A while the others remain B. The system then becomes stable again.