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I am not from the field, but have a question regarding modeling in biology:

  • I know that some processes can be modeled with the mathematical multiplication operation, and wondered if anyone could give me an example (or examples).

  • Especially with regards to axonal growth and the chemical (de-)stabilization taking place which involve microtubuli and actin, I was wondering if these processes again could be formalized mathematically as multiplication of (several) variables.

I have looked through the internet but did not find anything so far, any help is appreciated

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there are mathematical models for each of these things, but i don't think they usually incorporate all possible parameters and its unlikely they are all linear (i.e. resulting from multiplication alone). –  shigeta Feb 28 '13 at 21:04
can you give me some link, some example of a multiplication? –  TestGuest Feb 28 '13 at 21:06

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Here's the quick answer you asked for, too big for comments so sorry if this is not a full answer either.

This paper is an example of cytoskeletal modelling. the equations are not simple products (that is to say they have exponentials, derivatives and other non- multiplication operations in them).

This example reference is a simple axonal growth model. You will see derivatives being modeled as products. Not sure if this is what you are looking for.

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That's already a starting point. Thanks –  TestGuest Feb 28 '13 at 21:31
oh good - glad that worked for you. –  shigeta Feb 28 '13 at 21:32

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