Simulation of Bacterial Chemotaxis by the Random Run and Tumble Model

Abstract

In this paper, the movement of bacteria, i.e. E. coli, is simulated based on the run and tumble model. The random walk parameters, such as the speed, tumbling frequency, run duration, and the turn angle between two successive runs were taken from experimental measurements, and use them to simulate the bacteria movement in cases of three different uniform chemical concentration distributions. The motility coefficient is computed to characterize the migration responses. Furthermore, a case of chemical attractant gradient distribution in the environment is designed to validate the run and tumble model. It is found that bacteria move with higher motility coefficient in higher chemical concentrations. Simulation results suggested that bacterial run and tumble model can be used to describe real bacteria movement.