ABSTRACT
A consensus is now emerging among biologists that to exploit these data to full potential one needs to complement experimental results with formal models of biochemical networks. Mathematical models that describe gene and protein interactions in a precise and unambiguous manner can play an instrumental role in shaping the future of biology. For example, mathematical models allow computer-based simulation and analysis of biochemical networks. Such in silico experiments can be used
for massive and rapid verification or falsification of biological hypotheses, replacing in certain cases costly and time-consuming in vitro or in vivo experiments. Moreover, in silico, in vitro and in vivo experiments can be used together in a feedback arrangement: mathematical model predictions can assist in the design of in vitro and in vivo experiments, the results of which can in turn be used to improve the fidelity of the mathematical models.
