Systems biology: a brief overview

Science. 2002 Mar 1;295(5560):1662-4. doi: 10.1126/science.1069492.

Abstract

To understand biology at the system level, we must examine the structure and dynamics of cellular and organismal function, rather than the characteristics of isolated parts of a cell or organism. Properties of systems, such as robustness, emerge as central issues, and understanding these properties may have an impact on the future of medicine. However, many breakthroughs in experimental devices, advanced software, and analytical methods are required before the achievements of systems biology can live up to their much-touted potential.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biology*
  • Cell Physiological Phenomena*
  • Computational Biology
  • Computer Simulation
  • Drug Industry
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Genomics
  • Models, Biological
  • Physiological Phenomena*
  • Research
  • Software
  • Systems Theory*