Economics of periodic enzyme activities
Main | Pathway models | More models | Article preprint
Linear chain with dilution (fast adaptation)
The model describes a chain of enzymatic reactions with mass-action kinetics. The forward and reverse rate constants are set to values of 1 and 0.1, respectively. The benefit function scores the average flux (i.e., the rate of product production). Pathway intermediates are destroyed by non-enzymatic reactions, which therefore compete with the pathway flux. Autonomous waves of enzyme activity (without an external substrate rhythm) can increase the average flux and are thus beneficial. (Legend: squares represent enzymes, circles represent metabolites)
| Substrate rhythm without enzyme adaptation |
 |
| Spontaneous enzyme rhythm without a substrate rhythm |
 |
Squares: enzyme levels Circles: metabolite levels