Chapter 8

Metabolic Pathways Analysis: A Linear Algebraic Approach

Terrell L. Hodge, Department of Mathematics and College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA, terrell.hodge@wmich.edu

8.1 Introduction

To quote from a well-known biochemistry textbook [1], “Metabolism is the overall process through which living systems acquire and utilize free energy to carry out their various functions.” Metabolism is enacted through metabolic pathways: chains of consecutive enzymatic reactions that produce specific products for use by an organism. As explored by biologists and biochemists, there are hundreds of such “chains of reactions” fitting together in many complex (and sometimes not well-understood) ...

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