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Table 1 Model parameters

From: Accurate chromosome segregation by probabilistic self-organisation

 

Parameter for

Range of values

Biological meaning

n

Maximal number of kMTs

2≤n

Maximal number of kMTs that can be accommodated on a single

 

per kinetochore

 

kinetochore. n is proportional to the size of a kinetochore.

p

Association probability

0≤p≤1/4

p is the association probability of a single microtubule to a free

   

kinetochore in each discrete time step. Upper limit of p is 1/4

   

because total probability ≤1.

q

Dissociation probability

0≤q≤1/2n

Dissociation probability of a single kMT in each discrete time step.

α

Scaling factor of p

0≤α≤1

Scaling applies to transitions from amphitelic (class 5) to merotelic

   

(class 4) states; reflecting the physical constraint imposed in

   

amphitelic states (meiosis I) or the back-to-back position of sister

   

kinetochores (mitosis). α=0 in mitosis for simplicity.

β

Scaling factor of q

0≤β≤1

Scaling applies to transitions in/from amphitelic states (class 5);

   

reflecting the kMT stabilisation by tension.

γ

Scaling factor of p

0≤γ≤1

Scaling applies to transitions from monotelic (class 2) to syntelic

   

(class 3) or merotelic (class 4) states in mitosis; reflecting the

   

biased orientation of sister kinetochores in monotelic states.