Mathematical modelling of metabolism.

Modelling of metabolism attempts to improve our understanding of metabolic regulation by quantifying essential parts or aspects of the metabolic system. Three areas in which modelling has recently made considerable contributions toward this aim can be identified. First, the more detailed description of individual reactions and pathways; second, the analysis of relative flux limitations within a pathway by means of metabolic control analysis; and third, in vivo flux analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance or mass spectroscopic analysis in combination with positionally labelled carbon compounds.