Progress in Theoretical Biology

Progress in Theoretical Biology, Volume 4 discusses the theoretical aspects of genetic complementation and illustrates an allosteric enzyme model with positive feedback applied to glycolytic oscillations. The text also describes the states, observables, and the measurement process in quantum theory and biology; the use of biological macromolecules as measuring systems; as well as the structure, stability, and efficiency of ecosystems. The general theory of adaptation as well as the adaptive cognitive system are also encompassed.
Biologists, cytologists, geneticists, and biophysicists will find the book invaluable.

Contributors

Preface

Contents of Previous Volumes

Theoretical Aspects of Genetic Complementation

I. Partial Complementation: Traditional Approach

II. Molecular Aspects and Possible Mechanisms of Interallelic Complementation

III. Other Types of Partial Complementation: Phenomenology and Mechanisms

IV. Mathematical Methods of Complementation Analysis and Their Applications

V. Conclusions

References

An Allosteric Enzyme Model with Positive Feedback Applied to Glycolytic Oscillations

1. Theoretical Introduction

2. Glycolytic Oscillations

3. An AUosteric Enzyme Model for Glycolytic Oscillations

4. Response of the Oscillatory Enzyme to External Perturbations

5. Patterns of Spatiotemporal Organization in the AUosteric Enzyme Model

6. The Physiological Significance of Metabolic Oscillations

References

Biological Observables

I. States, Observables, and the Measurement Process in Quantum Theory and Biology

II. Biological Macromolecules as Measuring Systems

III. Concluding Remarks

References

Structure, Stability, and Efficiency of Ecosystem

I. Introduction

II. Graphical Representation

III. Dynamical Representation and Margalef's Principle

IV. Energy Flow Functions

V. Stability of Ecological Dynamics

VI. Idealized Model Ecosystem

VII. Ecosystem of Two Trophic Levels

VIII. Ecosystem of Four Trophic Levels

Appendix I. Lyapunov Function of Branched Chains

Appendix II. Properties of the Critical Points of the System of Two Trophic Levels

Appendix III. Ecosystem of Three Trophic Levels

References

Adaptation

I. General Theory

II. An Adaptive Cognitive System

References

Subject Index