Progress in Theoretical Biology, Volume 4 discusses the theoretical aspects of genetic complementation and illustrates an allosteric enzyme model with positive feedback applied to glycolytic oscillations. The text also describes the states, observables, and the measurement process in quantum theory and biology; the use of biological macromolecules as measuring systems; as well as the structure, stability, and efficiency of ecosystems. The general theory of adaptation as well as the adaptive cognitive system are also encompassed. Biologists, cytologists, geneticists, and biophysicists will find the book invaluable.

Contributors Preface Contents of Previous Volumes Theoretical Aspects of Genetic Complementation I. Partial Complementation: Traditional Approach II. Molecular Aspects and Possible Mechanisms of Interallelic Complementation III. Other Types of Partial Complementation: Phenomenology and Mechanisms IV. Mathematical Methods of Complementation Analysis and Their Applications V. Conclusions References An Allosteric Enzyme Model with Positive Feedback Applied to Glycolytic Oscillations 1. Theoretical Introduction 2. Glycolytic Oscillations 3. An AUosteric Enzyme Model for Glycolytic Oscillations 4. Response of the Oscillatory Enzyme to External Perturbations 5. Patterns of Spatiotemporal Organization in the AUosteric Enzyme Model 6. The Physiological Significance of Metabolic Oscillations References Biological Observables I. States, Observables, and the Measurement Process in Quantum Theory and Biology II. Biological Macromolecules as Measuring Systems III. Concluding Remarks References Structure, Stability, and Efficiency of Ecosystem I. Introduction II. Graphical Representation III. Dynamical Representation and Margalef's Principle IV. Energy Flow Functions V. Stability of Ecological Dynamics VI. Idealized Model Ecosystem VII. Ecosystem of Two Trophic Levels VIII. Ecosystem of Four Trophic Levels Appendix I. Lyapunov Function of Branched Chains Appendix II. Properties of the Critical Points of the System of Two Trophic Levels Appendix III. Ecosystem of Three Trophic Levels References Adaptation I. General Theory II. An Adaptive Cognitive System References Subject Index