title: Consideration of the gain, enzymatic capacity utilization, and response time properties of metabolic networks as a function of operating point and structure.
abstract: Computer simulation is used to examine the gain, utilization of enzymatic capacity and response time properties of a simple metabolic network consisting of a sequence of irreversible enzyme reactions controlled by non-allosteric feedback inhibition. The latter properties are chosen because interpretation of a metabolic network's structure can be aided by envisioning the network to maximize a single objective such as flux control. However, by examining the properties as a function of the network's operating point (extent of saturation of the first enzymatic reaction) and structural characteristics, it is found that apparent trade-offs occur between definable objectives. It is suggested that greater consideration of the trade-offs that may occur could help generate metabolic network heuristics and facilitate the interpretation of metabolic networks in terms of the functional role they play in the intact organism.
mesh_terms: D003201:Computers; D004798:Enzymes / Q000378:metabolism*; D005246:Feedback; D007700:Kinetics; D008954:Models, Biological
chemical_list: D004798:Enzymes