These two workbooks model the evolution of phage resistance in a bacterial population under two alternative hypotheses. Under the hypothesis of acquired immunity, mutation produces some resistant bacteria even in the absence of phage; this resistance can be passed to their offspring. Under the mutation hypothesis, by contrast, mutation produces some resistant bacteria even in the absence of phage; again, this resistance can be passed to their offspring. Predictions of the two models can be compared to each other and to actual data.

• Documentation

Luria-Delbruck Fluctuation Test

Max Delbruck (1906-1981) photo courtesy of the Archives of the California Institute of Technology. Salvador Luria (1912-1991).

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