Rewriting systems and the modelling of biological systems
2004

Modeling Biological Systems with Rewriting Systems

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Jean-Louis Giavitto, Grant Malcolm, Olivier Michel

Primary Institution: LaMI u.m.r. 8042 du CNRS, Université d'Evry Val d'Essone

Conclusion

Rewriting systems can effectively model and simulate various biological processes, particularly at the cellular level.

Supporting Evidence

  • Rewriting systems are Turing complete, meaning they can describe any computable process.
  • String rewriting has been applied to model plant development, such as in the growth of Anabaena.
  • Multiset rewriting allows for modeling chemical solutions where molecules can interact freely.
  • P systems extend multiset rewriting to represent complex biological structures.

Takeaway

This study shows how computer models can help us understand how living things work by using simple rules to represent complex biological processes.

Methodology

The paper surveys the use of algebraic rewriting systems for modeling and simulating biological processes.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1002/cfg.363

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