Systems theory

From Biomedical Cybernetics

Systems theory is the branch of general cybernetics that deals with temporal and spatial dynamics of information processing structures in complex systems.

In general, methods of systems theory consist in mathematical (analytical) description and in silico modelling.

Topics of systems theory with biological relevance are:

• feedback control systems
• Lateral inhibition
• Antagonistic redundancy
• Reafference principle (Efference copy)

Application of biological systems theory to metabolism is referred to as systems biology (systeomics), its specialisation to regulatory processes in metabolism as metabolic control analysis.