A probabilistic model of cell size reduction in Pseudo-nitzschia delicatissima (Bacillariophyta)

We applied a homogenous non-stationary continuous-time Markov chain to model the development of individual diatoms from an initial size of about 80μm until cell death which occurred when the size reached its low at about 18μm. In contrast to conventional curve fitting models we are capable of calculating confidence intervals for estimates of the population ages as well as integrate the process of auxospore formation into the model. We thus propose a unique way to describe the stationary size distribution in a diatom population in terms of cell division and auxospore formation probabilities of its individuals.