Modeling and parameter estimation of yeast size distribution dynamics

The dynamic behavior of a batch culture of yeast with a rate-limiting nutrient was analyzed by examining the cell number density, cell size distribution, and concentration of a rate-limiting nutrient. The particular strain of S. cerevisiae studied grows only when the medium contains L-tryptophan. The cell number, volume distribution, and external L-tryptophan concentration were measured at successive times in the development of the culture. A mathematical model was developed to simulate the experimental data and provide a framework for understanding the dynamics of the cell growth and division in terms of cellular events. A nonlinear optimization procedure was specially adapted to estimate model parameters.