Path analysis in General Control Theory

Geza Meszena

In: Modern trends in BioThermoKinetics. Ed. J-P. Mazat, S.
Schuster, M. Rigoulet. Plenum Press, London, 1993, pp. 217-224

Summary

     A generalization of the Metabolic Control Theory is
presented. It includes description of stable as well as optimal
systems, and deals with the effect of an external change on the
stable/optimal state. Path analysis is established in this
framework. It gives a heuristic insight and makes a connection
between the mathematical treatment and qualitative expectations
about the behavior of the system. Control coefficients can be
expressed as a sum of terms, each of them represents a path of
propagation of the effect through the system. Application of this
technic in metabolic control is presented as an example for this
approach. Flux as well as concentration control coefficients are
calculated.