Carmen E. Castaneda: Week 3

Terminology

• Look up the following terms and provide definitions. For each definition, three elements are required: you must quote a source, reference the source, and interpret the definition in your own words.

1. dynamical system: A means of describing how one state develops into another state over the course of time.(1)
2. law of mass action: A law stating that the intensity of a reaction is dependent on the degree of presence of the reactants responsible for the reaction.(3)
3. homeostasis: The ability of the body or a cell to seek and maintain a condition of equilibrium or stability within its internal environment when dealing with external changes (2)
4. equilibrium:The state of balance or static; the absence of net tendency to change.(4)
5. oscillation: Fluctuation; variation; change back and forth.(5)
6. autocatalysis: a reaction in which one or more of the products formed acts to catalyze the reaction.(6)

Applying the Law of Mass Action

• Construct differential equations that model the following reactions. Be sure to define your state variables and rate constants.

1. A + B → C
2. A + B ↔ C
3. A + B ↔ 2C
4. 2A + 3B ↔ C+D

Please note that the symbol ↔ is used to denote arrows (reactions) in both directions.