English

Duality, thermodynamics, and the linear programming problem in constraint-based models of metabolism

Subcellular Processes 2009-11-13 v2

Abstract

It is shown that the dual to the linear programming problem that arises in constraint-based models of metabolism can be given a thermodynamic interpretation in which the shadow prices are chemical potential analogues, and the objective is to minimise free energy consumption given a free energy drain corresponding to growth. The interpretation is distinct from conventional non-equilibrium thermodynamics, although it does satisfy a minimum entropy production principle. It can be used to motivate extensions of constraint-based modelling, for example to microbial ecosystems.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.q-bio/0702021,
  title  = {Duality, thermodynamics, and the linear programming problem in constraint-based models of metabolism},
  author = {Patrick B. Warren and Janette L. Jones},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:q-bio/0702021},
  year   = {2009}
}

Comments

4 pages, 2 figures, 1 table, RevTeX 4, final accepted version

R2 v1 2026-07-22T19:26:36.683Z