FIG. 3. Schematic of the stochastic model of the cell cycle.

We represent the cell cycle as a series of sequential states j = 1…m. After the mth state, two daughter cells in state 1 are born. The PDF of state lifetimes, p_δj, is distinct for each state j. Although most quantities of interest are transient, meaning that the states are created when the cells enter and then annihilated when the cells exit, we also consider perpetual quantities that are created but not annihilated (e.g. DNA loci).