Contact Info
Department of Applied Mathematics
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada N2L 3G1
Phone: 519-888-4567, ext. 32700
Fax: 519-746-4319
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In any biological system, for example, bacteria, cultured human stem cells, or cells interacting in tissues, a variety of networks and pathways are responsible for the basic functioning and robustness of the system. Examples of networks and pathways are:
For example, the famous Krebs cycle (Noble prize awarded in 1953). The Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle, is central to the chemical processing of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to produce energy. The image gives a glimpse of the complexity of a metabolic pathway.
These are part of a complex system of communication through which cells perceive and respond to their environment.
The process whereby cells counter the effect of heat, which causes protein unfolding and malfunction.
This is a network of proteins, cells, organs, and tissues that interact in intricate ways to maintain good health.
Because biological networks are complicated regulatory systems, one expects that feedback will play an important role and that there will be similarities with man-made control systems. The goal in applying methods from systems and control theory to biological systems, now known as systems biology, is to gain a deeper understanding of the design principles of biological organization. This knowledge is being applied extensively in developing biotechnology, for example:
Contact Info
Department of Applied Mathematics
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada N2L 3G1
Phone: 519-888-4567, ext. 32700
Fax: 519-746-4319
PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within our Office of Indigenous Relations.