Discrete digital simulation of a genetic control theory

Normal human cells are able to reproduce in cell culture, but the extent of reproduction is limited to 50-70 population doublings (Hayflick and Moorhead, 1961). It has been proposed that this limited proliferation is a manifestation of normal biological aging at the cellular level. This idea has stimulated a great deal of research into the mechanisms limiting the doubling potential of normal cells in culture (Hayflick, 1977). Experimental evidence has recently been obtained which has led to the formulation of a new theory to explain the mechanisms involved in this phenomenon. The purpose of this paper is to analyze via computer simulation a genetic control model that could describe the processes that occur during cell proliferation reproduction. For many years mathematical models have been developed to study various aspects of cellular kinetics with both general (Valleron and Frindel, 1973; Hahn, 1970) and specific (Absher and Absher, 1978) applications in mind. The experimental data documenting the limited replicative lifespan of human diploid cells has provided the foundation for many current studies of cellular senescence and its relationship to in vivo aging (Hayflick and Moorhead, 1961). This information has been obtained from observing the doubling behavior of cells in clonal distributions (Smith and Hayflick, 1974), cell hybrid studies (Norwood et al., 1974), and mass culture data. This data base supports many competing hypotheses and mathematical models of cellular senescence (Good, 1975). Within the past year new experimental evidence in the form of clonal