Before revision: Detection of binomiality of polynomial systems is discussed. The focus is on linear-algebraic methods which are applicable to a class of large examples where Gr\"obner basis methods fail. The results are illustrated on steady state equations in chemical reaction network theory .
After revision: Binomial ideals are special polynomial ideals with many algorithmically and theoretically nice properties. We discuss the problem of deciding if a given polynomial ideal is binomial. While the methods are general, our main motivation and source of examples is the simplification of steady state equations in chemical reaction network theory .