Sensitivity analysis of stoichiometric networks: an extension of metabolic control analysis to non-steady state trajectories

A sensitivity analysis of general stoichiometric networks is considered. The results are presented as a generalization of Metabolic Control Analysis, which has been concerned primarily with system sensitivities at steady state. An expression for time-varying sensitivity coefficients is given and the Summation and Connectivity Theorems are generalized. The results are compared to previous treatments. The analysis is accompanied by a discussion of the computation of the sensitivity coefficients and an application to a model of phototransduction. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.