Introduction

The primary objective of this section is to assit us in developing an understanding of the the dynamic behaviour of the systems that we would create in our iGEM project. A requirement for assessing the dynamic behaviour is a time-dependent mathematical model of the bio-chemical processes that take place.

Dictionary Definitions : Model

Model is derived from the Latin word modus, which stands for measure. As a noun it means, " a small representation of a planned or exiting object" (Webster's New World Dictionary)

"A mathematical or physical system, obeying certain specified conditions, whose behaviour is used to understand a physical, biological, or social system to which it is analogous in some way" (McGraw-Hill disctionary of Scientific and Technical Terms.)

The use of models to describe synthetic biology has its merits. Synthetic biology investigates the use of different biological parts to put together and assemble devices that carry out specific functions. Good mathematical models to describe each part would greatly help not only in the characterization of a part but also facilitate the use of the part by other people when they choose to use the part within their devices or systems.

Simulations based on modeling can give a first insight on how the system would turn out and provide a rough guide of the system’s behaviour.

We hope to use a control engineering approach in this project, and we hope that by understanding the transient behaviours of the systems can we better design our system to suit their purpose.