Extended Data Fig. 6: Schematics of mathematical models.
a, Schematic of nucleated polymerization dynamics used in the mathematical models. Non-prion state Sup35 (circle) is synthesized at rate α and can join either end an amyloid aggregate of Sup35 (polymer of squares) at a conversion rate β. Amyloid aggregates are fragmented at rate γ at the interface between any two monomers. If the resulting two aggregates are both greater in size than the minimum seed (ns), the amyloid state persists (blue); if either aggregate is smaller in size than ns, it will disassemble into non-prion state Sup35 (red). b, The stochastic persistence model calculates the probability of each of three outcomes, relative to cell division, upon the introduction of a single aggregate of minimal size under nucleated polymerization dynamics: aggregate disassembly, retention of a single aggregate, and aggregate persistence (that is the creation of two aggregates greater in size than ns).
