Steady-state modelling of metabolic pathways: a guide for the prospective simulator.

Steady-state modelling and control analysis by means of computer simulation provides valuable insight into the behavior of metabolic pathways. This review, which is aimed at the newcomer to this field, discusses the objectives of steady-state modelling and the steady-state properties of the four basic metabolic structures, namely linear and branched chains, loops and cycles. It is shown how the model definition in terms of stoichiometric reactions and rate equations leads to a set of balance equations from which the conservation constraints and flux relationships can be deduced, either informally or through a rigorous analysis of the stoichiometric matrix. The initial analysis of a steady-state metabolic model is summarized in an algorithm. Key references to the literature on metabolic modelling are given.