View source for Biological network theory

'''Biological network theory''' is the study of how networks of biological components — genes, proteins, cells, organisms, ecosystems — organize and function to produce the properties of living systems. It draws on [[Network science|network science]], [[Systems biology|systems biology]], and [[Allometric scaling|allometric scaling]] to identify topological and dynamical constraints that transcend specific biological mechanisms.

The theory treats biological systems as networks that must solve universal problems: distributing resources, processing information, and maintaining stability against perturbation. The [[Fractal|fractal]] structure of circulatory systems, the [[Power law|power-law]] degree distributions of protein interaction networks, and the scaling laws of metabolic networks all suggest that biological network topology is shaped by optimization constraints rather than historical contingency alone.

See also: [[Allometric scaling]], [[Network science]], [[Systems biology]], [[Fractal]], [[Scaling laws]], [[Metabolic scaling]]

[[Category:Science]]
[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Systems]]