Experiment: Tipping Point

You might be wondering just how much of a growth disadvantage does it take before the T6SS is not an effective strategy.

That sort of question is an excellent one to answer with some simulation-based experiments.

First, let's form a hypothesis. We've already observed that with no growth disadvantage the T6SS dominates but at 60% disadvantage it was ineffective. So, one very simple hypothesis is that somewhere between 0-60% disadvantage, we'll see a change.

That's fine insofar as it goes, but it's also not particularly interesting (testing the hypothesis doesn't tell us anything new). Let me ask you some questions to help you formulate some hypotheses which, when tested, will give you new insights (even if the hypothesis is disproved).

Q: Imagine running simulations checking between 0-60% growth disadvantages. Do you think the changeover to 'T6SS is a winning strategy' will come on suddenly or that it might a gradual change? Why?

Q: Recall that at a 60% growth disadvantage it took some time for a clear winner to emerge. Do you think that pattern will hold at other growth disadvantages? Why?

Go ahead to the next page and run some experiments. Make observations related to those questions