| Abstract: | The interaction between male-specific RNA phages and bacterial cells as well as the complete life cycle of RNA phages in the host cells are complicated phenomena. In this study, a mathematical model is proposed to describe the kinetics of RNA phage production in batch culture. The model consists of several important considerations: (1) adsorption and desorption of phages on cell pili, (2) injection and transport of viral RNA, (3) viral protein synthesis, (4) phage maturation, and (5) cell lysis. Experimental data of MS2 RNA phage production in E. coli C 300o bacteria culture were used to evaiuate the model parameters. Reasonably good fit was obtained between the model and one set of data. However, simulation study based on the estimated parameter values revealed a discrepancy between experimental observation and model prediction. It seems that variation both in F-piliation and in the competence of cells to be infected by phages through different phasae of growth must be taken into account in order to make the model useful. |
