Complex biological models: Their construction and effective use

Abstract

Abstract The need for complex models in biology, and reasons such as esthetics and tradition for resistance to their use, are discussed. Examples considered are an existing cardiac metabolism model, and a possible comprehensive and complex diabetes model, with their associated problems. Characteristic problems of complex modeling include how complex a model should be, combination and interaction of models from different sources, the kind of underlying information involved, and the usual problems of model credibility. Specific problems of biological modeling include: effective interaction with experimenters to secure timely solution of currently important problems, (e.g., by experimental design), and effective interaction within the community of biological modelers.