Biochemical systems theory and metabolic control theory: II. The role of summation and connectivity relationships (Q1103540)

After repeating the qualms and accusations of part I, see the preceding review, Zbl 0645.92011, towards metabolic control theory (MCT) the question of summation and connectivity is investigated. These elementary algebraic relationships are central features of the MCT approach to the understanding of intact biochemical systems, whereas in the authors' biochemical systems theory (BST) they appear to be peripheral. Generalized versions of these relationships are shown to be inherent to BST, and it is shown how their role differs from that within MCT. Their significance is shown to be historical and unnecessary for the full understanding of the integrated behaviour of complex biochemical systems with BST. These relationships in MCT have inherent limitations that make them inadequate as the basis of a general theory of biochemical systems. The authors therefore claim to have demonstrated that the MCT is a special case of BST.