Mathematical models for estimating mutation rates in cell populations

A number of mathematical models for cell populations in which mutations are occurring are studied and compared by viewing the models as filtered Poisson processes. Based upon these models, a statistical analysis is given of the mutant accumulation method of estimating mutation rates. Phenotypic delay, that is delay from the epoch at which a cell mutates until cells in resulting clone possess the property which distinguishes them from nonmutant cells, is incorporated into the models and its effect upon some estimation procedures is determined. A suggestion is also given for obtaining information about the duration of phenotypic delay.