Linking lineage and population observables in biological branching processes

Abstract

Using a population dynamics inspired by an ensemble of growing cells, a set of fluctuation theorems linking observables measured at the lineage and population levels are derived. One of these relations implies inequalities comparing the population doubling time with the mean generation time at the lineage or population levels. We argue that testing these inequalities provides useful insights into the underlying mechanism controlling the division rate in such branching processes.