Comparison of deterministic and stochastic models of the lac operon genetic network.

ABSTRACT: The lac operon has been a paradigm for genetic regulation with positive feedback, and several modeling studies have described its dynamics at various levels of detail. However, it has not yet been analyzed how stochasticity can enrich the system's behavior, creating effects that are not observed in the deterministic case. To address this problem we use a comparative approach. We develop a reaction network for the dynamics of the lac operon genetic switch and derive corresponding deterministic and stochastic models that incorporate biological details. We then analyze the effects of key biomolecular mechanisms, such as promoter strength and binding affinities, on the behavior of the models. No assumptions or approximations are made when building the models other than those utilized in the re

SUBMITTER: Stamatakis M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2996131 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature