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Comment
. 2008:4:166.
doi: 10.1038/msb.2008.3. Epub 2008 Feb 12.

Modularity defined

Herbert M Sauro
Comment

Modularity defined

Herbert M Sauro. Mol Syst Biol. 2008.
No abstract available

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Definition of a module: two biochemical systems, M1 and M2, have defined input and output characteristics. M1 and M2 can be considered modules when we are able to predict the behavior of the composite network M2(M1) from the input/output characteristics of the individual systems. Interestingly, random biochemical networks connected together do not behave this way and therefore cannot be considered modules. The ability to predict the behavior of M2(M1) requires minimal retroactivity between M1 and M2 and the networks have to be either specifically engineered or evolved through a genetic algorithm for this to be the case.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Reducing retroactivity: one of the commonest methods to reduce retroactivity between two systems is to employ negative feedback. Here M1 and M2 are two biochemical systems joined at a common node to form a composite system, M2(M1).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment on

References

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