Tokyo/Model

From 2007.igem.org

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E.coli Follows Pareto's principle!

To follow Pareto’s principle like an ant society, our model system must satisfy the three conditions shown in Fig. 1 to 4. In our model, all individual cells have the same genetic circuits but take either of state A (worker) or B (idler) depending on the surrounding circumstances.

As shown in Fig. 1, 2, 3, and 4, the condition of the system is changing as follows:

Bistable state ⇒ The removal of A (worker) ⇒ Unstable state with only B left ⇒ Regain of "stable coexistence"

Fig. 1 Condition 1. Bistable state
The system is stable when it contains both A (worker) and B (idler) at certain ratio.

Fig. 2 Condition 2. Removal of A
Now that A is removed, there is only B left.

Fig. 3 Condition 3. Unstable B
While after the removal of A (worker), B becomes unstable and "stable coexistence" of the system is broken.

Fig. 4 Condition 4. Regain of "stable coexistence"
Some B (idler) changes to A (worker) while the others remain B (idler). Then the system regains "stable coexistence".