Validation of a model of the GAL regulatory system via robustness analysis of its bistability characteristics
In Saccharomyces cerevisi, structural bistability generates a bimodal expression of the galactose uptake genes (GAL) when exposed to low and high glucose concentrations. This indicates that yeast cells can decide between using either the limited amount of glucose or growing on galactose under changing environmental conditions. A crucial requirement for any plausible mechanistic model of this system is that it reproduces the robustness of the bistable response observed in vivo against inter-individual parametric variability and fluctuating environmental conditions.
robustness bistability galactose network domain of attraction bifurcation local sensitivity global sensitivity