The role of theorem proving in systems biology
Date
2012
Authors
Wolkenhauer O.
Shibata D.
Mesarovic M.D.
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Volume Title
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Abstract
Theorems offer a rarity in biology, a guarantee that something will always be true if certain conditions are met. We show that modeling and theorem proving are distinct while playing mutually supporting roles in understanding cellular phenomena. Using two recently proven theorems from systems biology as examples, we demonstrate that theorems are not an alternative to mechanistic models. Rather, theorem proving, in conjunction with conventional mathematical (mechanistic) modeling, is an essential tool for a deeper understanding in systems biology. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.
Description
Keywords
Dynamical systems theory, Mathematical general systems theory, Multilevel systems, Tissue organization
Citation
Journal of Theoretical Biology
300
57
61
300
57
61