Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026

Efficient Regeneration-based Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation of an Asexual Amphibious Brassicaceae Species, Rorippa aquatica
Published on: January 16, 2026
R-Models: a mathematical framework for capturing notions of abstraction and assistance in reproductive systems
1Virtual Engineering Centre, Daresbury Laboratory, Warrington WA4 4AD, UK. mattpwebster@gmail.com
Abstract:
R-Models are an approach to capturing notions of assistance and abstraction in reproductive systems, based on labelled transition systems and Gibson's theory of affordances. R-Models incorporate a labelled transition system that describes how a reproductive system changes over the course of reproduction. The actors in the system are represented by a set of entities together with a relation describing the states in which those entities are present, and an affordance-modelling function mapping actions to sets of entities which enable those actions to be performed. We show how R-models can be classified based on whether the reproducer is assisted or unassisted in reproduction, and whether or not the reproducer is active during reproduction. We prove that all assisted and unassisted R-models have a related R-model which has the opposite classification. We discuss the relevance to the field of artificial life, give a potential application to the fields of computer virology, and demonstrate reproduction modelling and classification in action using examples.
Related Concept Videos
Mechanistic Models: Compartment Models in Individual and Population Analysis
Mechanistic Models: Compartment Models in Algorithms for Numerical Problem Solving
In individual population analyses, different algorithms are employed, such as Cauchy's method, which uses a...
Mechanistic Models: Overview of Compartment Models
Multicompartment Models: Overview
These models offer a more comprehensive representation of drug behavior in the body than one-compartment models. They accommodate the complexity of drug distribution,...
Response Surface Methodology
The process of RSM involves several key steps:
Overview of the Reproductive System
The gonads, or primary reproductive organs, produce gametes and sex hormones. In males, the testes produce spermatozoa and testosterone, which is responsible for developing secondary male sex characteristics, including a deeper voice, larger muscles, facial and body...

