title: Selection of optimal model for the DNA histogram by analysis of error of estimated parameters.
abstract: The ability of four different mathematical models of the DNA histogram to give accurate estimates for the fractions of cells in G1, S, and G2 + M has been investigated. The models studied differ in the form and number of parameters of the function used to represent cells in S-phase. Results obtained from simulated DNA histograms suggest that the standard deviations of the model parameters increase exponentially with the width of the G1 and G2 + M peaks of the histogram. Error analysis is presented as a method to select a model of optimal complexity in relation to the resolution provided by the data in a given set of DNA histograms. Introduction of additional parameters improves the agreement between model and data but may result in a less well-posed model. A model with an optimal number of parameters can therefore be found that will yield parameter estimates with the smallest possible standard deviations.
mesh_terms: D002453:Cell Cycle; D002460:Cell Line; D003584:Cytological Techniques; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D010783:Photometry
chemical_list: D004247:DNA