Estimating the size of the olfactory repertoire

Authors
Carmel, L Harel, D Lancet, D
Citation
L. Carmel et al., Estimating the size of the olfactory repertoire, B MATH BIOL, 63(6), 2001, pp. 1063-1078
Citations number
17
Categorie Soggetti
Multidisciplinary
Journal title
BULLETIN OF MATHEMATICAL BIOLOGY
ISSN journal
00928240 → ACNP
Volume
63
Issue
6
Year of publication
2001
Pages
1063 - 1078
Database
ISI
SICI code
0092-8240(200111)63:6<1063:ETSOTO>2.0.ZU;2-G
Abstract
The concept of shape space, which has been successfully implemented in immu nology, is used here to construct a model for the discrimination power of t he olfactory system. Using reasonable assumptions on the behaviour of the b iological system, we are able to estimate the number of distinct olfactory receptor types. Our estimated value of around 1000 receptor types is in goo d agreement with experimental data. (C) 2001 Society for Mathematical Biolo gy.