Biological Models
Overview
Thus far in the construction of various synthetic cellular memory devices, two main biological models have been used: mutual repression and autoregulatory positive feedback. Both of these models allow for multiple (at this point in time, two) stable levels at which a reporter protein exists in a given cell. Based on a given input, reporter protein concentrations are balanced to one of these two stable states by the configuration of genes and promoters in the system. Both the mutual repression model and the autoregulatory positive feedback model are found in natural systems, but each provides a synthetic device with different capabilities. The mutual repression model works by turning off expression of one or more constitutively expressed genes based on an input, while autoregulatory positive feedback turns on one or more constitutively repressed genes based on an input.
Mutual Repression
Autoregulatory Positive Feedback
Discuss mutual repression model and positive feedback model (with Images). Link to mathematical modeling page.
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