Quantifying Global Tolerance of Biochemical Systems: Design Implications for Moiety-Transfer Cycles
2009

Understanding Biochemical System Robustness

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Coelho Pedro M. B. M., Salvador Armindo, Savageau Michael A.

Primary Institution: University of Coimbra

Hypothesis

Can a generic approach be developed to identify boundaries where local performance deteriorates in biochemical systems?

Conclusion

The study introduces a method for characterizing boundaries in biochemical systems, demonstrating that improved local performance can increase global tolerance.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study illustrates the concept of global tolerance using the NADPH redox cycle in human erythrocytes.
  • Results indicate that local performance improves as the operating point moves away from regime boundaries.
  • Experimental data supports the predictions made by the new approach.

Takeaway

This study helps us understand how living things stay strong and healthy even when things change around them. It shows that some systems work best when they stay away from danger zones.

Methodology

The study uses a piecewise power-law representation to analyze the performance of moiety-transfer cycles in biochemical systems.

Limitations

The piecewise power-law representation may lack accuracy around breakpoints.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pcbi.1000319

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