Modelling of synthetic biological devices

Abstract

In most electrical and mechanical systems, the behaviour of the system depends on the behaviour of its individual components. The concept of modularity is used to predict this trend in behaviour and to guarantee that the properties of the individual components do not differ when connected together. However, not all component combinations would result in synergistic effects. Many systems actually differ from their initial behaviour when they are connected or combined together. In other words, bringing two systems together would not guarantee that their individual properties would add up. This effect can be extended to the biochemical world, specifically in genetics and transcriptional networks.