Knowledge-Based Simulation of DNA Metabolism: Prediction of Action and Envisionment of Pathways

Our understanding of any process can be measured by the extent to which a simulation we create mimics the real behavior of that process. Deviations of a simulation indicate either limitations or errors in our knowledge. In addition, these observed differences often suggest verifiable experimental hypotheses to extend our knowledge. The biochemical approach to understanding biological processes is essentially one of simulation. A biochemist typically prepares a cell-free extract that can mediate a well-described physiological process. The extract is then fractionated to purify the components that catalyze individual reactions.