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We review the application of mathematical modeling to understanding the behavior of populations of chemotactic bacteria. The application of continuum mathematical models, in particular generalized Keller-Segel models, is discussed along with attempts to incorporate the microscale (individual) behavior on the macroscale, modeling the interaction between different species of bacteria, the interaction of bacteria with their environment, and methods used to obtain experimentally verified parameter values. We allude briefly to the role of modeling pattern formation in understanding collective behavior within bacterial populations. Various aspects of each model are discussed and areas for possible future research are postulated.

Original publication

DOI

10.1007/s11538-008-9322-5

Type

Journal article

Journal

Bull Math Biol

Publication Date

08/2008

Volume

70

Pages

1570 - 1607

Keywords

Algorithms, Bacterial Physiological Phenomena, Biodiversity, Chemotaxis, Ecosystem, Environment, Escherichia coli, Models, Biological