TABLE 1.

Key features of mechanistic models describing biofilm transition point

Mechanistic model type	Key features
No links	• No linkages present; only lists phenotypes as occurring
	• Does not incorporate cell-cell communication or gene regulation subsystems
Linear linkages to phenotypes	• A sequential, linear explanation of one subsystem leading to the next subsystem
	• Includes phenotype leading to the next phenotype
Subsystems converge on phenotype	• A largely linear explanation with some nonlinear features (e.g., convergence)
	• At least one instance where a phenotype is influenced by two independent subsystems
Interconnected phenotype	• A largely linear explanation with some nonlinear features (e.g., convergence)
	• Phenotype is a causal subsystem that affects a cell-cell communication or gene regulation subsystem