[Energetic model for formation of cellular mass]

Based on the law of conservation of energy, a differential equation describing changes with time in the mass of a dividing cell was obtained. A mathematical expression for the greatest possible value of the mass of an infinitely long growing cell that does not enter the process of division was derived. This value depends on the correlation between the energy constants characterizing the rate of the entrance of substances into the cell and the expenditures for the transport of substances inside the cell. A relationship between the time of the cell division cycle and these constants was established. For a population of dividing cells, the density of their distribution by mass was determined. The efficiency of a dividing and a specialized cell was studied. Within the framework of the energy approach, possible reasons predetermining the real value of the cell mass were considered. A hypothesis was advanced that cell realizes the strategy of maximum productivity. It was found that, for this strategy be realized, the optimum mass of a parent cell at the end of mitotic division should be 39% of its greatest possible value, and that of a specialized cell should be 29.6% of its respective greatest possible value. Thus, only a third of the energy equivalent of the biological mass consumed by both a dividing and a specialized cell fall on useful work. Methodical aspects of the experimental verification of these results are considered.