New models question old assumptions about how many molecules it takes to control cell division

Abstract

A single cell -- whether a yeast cell or one of your cells -- is exquisitely sensitive to its surroundings. It receives input signals, processes the information, makes decisions, and issues commands for making the proper response. As with any control system, noise --errors, slip-ups, mis-reads -- can get in the way of correct decision making. Virginia Tech biologists and engineers have created a mathematical model to explore the roles of noise in controlling the basic events of the cell cycle -- DNA replication and cell division.