Figure 4.

Sensitivity of the transconjugant yield (T) to the attachment (k₊) and detachment (k₋) rates. As expected, k₊ and k₋ affected T in opposite directions. Different values of k₊ led to the same profile in transconjugant yield as a function of k₋, but the level was decreased 100-fold for every 100-fold decrease in k₊. Simulations were started with equal numbers of donors and recipients (5×10⁶ cells/ml), and densities were sampled after 3 h (including an initial 0.7 h lag phase for growth). Other parameters: ψ_R = ψ_D = ψ_T = 1.7 h⁻¹, ${\gamma }_D^o={\gamma }_T^o=15{\text{h}}^{-1}$.