Systems theory is the branch of general cybernetics that deals with temporal and spatial dynamics of information processing structures in complex systems.
Methods[]
In general, methods of systems theory consist in mathematical (analytical) description and in silico modelling.
Mathematical approaches for describing the relation among structure and behaviour of information processing structures cover:
- Time domain analysis
- Frequency domain analysis (covering transfer functions)
- s-plane analysis including zero-pole investigation
- State space description.
Topics and motifs[]
Topics of systems theory with biological relevance are:
- feedback control systems
- Lateral inhibition
- Antagonistic redundancy
- Reafference principle (Efference copy)
- Systems pathology
Applications[]
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.