Comparing Membrane Computing with Ordinary Differential Equation in Modeling a Biological Process in Liver Cell

Most of the biological processes such as the processes in liver cell have been modeled by using the approach of ordinary differential equation. Such conventional model has demonstrated drawbacks and limitations primarily in preserving the stochastic and nondeterministic behaviors of biological processes by characterizing them as continuous and deterministic processes. Membrane computing has been considered as an alternative to address these limitations by providing modeling capabilities in representing the structure and processes of biological systems essential for biological applications. This study was carried out to investigate the modeling of hormone-induced calcium oscillations in liver cell with membrane computing. Simulation strategy of Gillespie algorithm and the method of model checking with Probabilistic Symbolic Model Checker were used to verify and validate the membrane computing model. The results produced by membrane computing model were compared with the results from ordinary differential equation model. The simulation and model checking of membrane computing model of the hormone-induced calcium oscillations showed that the fundamental properties of the biological process were preserved. Membrane computing model has provided a better approach in accommodating the structure and processes of hormone-induced calcium oscillations system by sustaining the basic properties of the system compared with ordinary differential equation model. However there were some other issues such as the selection of kinetic constants according to the behavior of biological processes has to be addressed to strengthen membrane computing capability in modeling biological processes.