Existence and uniqueness of limit cycles in an enzyme-catalysed reaction system. (Q1855182)

The system \[ \dot x= a- xy- {bx\over 1+x},\qquad \dot y= xy- {c\over 1+y},\tag{1} \] where \(a\), \(b\), \(c\) are positive constants, is considered in the first quadrant. It is shown that if \(a< c\), then there is a unique interior equilibrium point. Conditions are formulated for the existence and stability of limit cycles. A more detailed investigation is carried out, when the first equation of (1) is replaced by \(\dot x= a- xy- bx\). Furthermore, the authors state: ``Numerical continuation methods reveal the occurrence of large periodic solutions resulting from an almost homoclinic connection on a saddle point''.