Switching mechanism of a cyclic enzyme system: role as a "chemical diode".
We previously showed with computer simulations that cyclic enzyme systems play a role in metabolic switching events. In the present study, the detailed switching mechanism was investigated by clarifying the relationship between the switching mode and the phase-difference of two sinusoidal inputs to the cyclic enzyme system. The switching time could be predicted theoretically. Half-wave and full-wave rectifications were observed when the phase-difference of two sinusoidal inputs is equal to pi. This result indicates the possibility that this cyclic enzyme system is available for use as a switching circuit (biochip) in a bio-computer.
Okamoto
M
M
Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
Sakai
T
T
Hayashi
K
K
D003198:Computer Simulation; D004798:Enzymes / Q000378:metabolism*; D007700:Kinetics; D008954:Models, Biological
D004798:Enzymes