A First Course in Systems Biology (2e) — Lecture
Slides for All 15 Chapters (PDF)
Systems Biology - answer-The study of how biological systems work as a whole by examining
interactions between genes, proteins, and pathways rather than isolated parts
How does systems biology study biological systems? - answer-By perturbing systems
biologically, genetically, or chemically, observing responses, and building mathematical models
to predict behavior
Main purpose of systems biology - answer-To predict how changing one part of a living system
affects the entire system
Emergent Properties - answer-Characteristics of a system that arise from interactions among
components and cannot be understood by studying parts individually
Example of an emergent property - answer-New York City being vibrant and noisy—this
emerges from many interactions, not one building or person
-omics - answer-The study of all components of a specific type at once (e.g., all genes, all
proteins)
Why are omics important in systems biology - answer-They allow scientists to see broad
patterns and interactions instead of focusing on single factors
Reductionist Approach - answer-Studying one component of a system in isolation to understand
its mechanism
1
Slides for All 15 Chapters (PDF)
Systems Biology - answer-The study of how biological systems work as a whole by examining
interactions between genes, proteins, and pathways rather than isolated parts
How does systems biology study biological systems? - answer-By perturbing systems
biologically, genetically, or chemically, observing responses, and building mathematical models
to predict behavior
Main purpose of systems biology - answer-To predict how changing one part of a living system
affects the entire system
Emergent Properties - answer-Characteristics of a system that arise from interactions among
components and cannot be understood by studying parts individually
Example of an emergent property - answer-New York City being vibrant and noisy—this
emerges from many interactions, not one building or person
-omics - answer-The study of all components of a specific type at once (e.g., all genes, all
proteins)
Why are omics important in systems biology - answer-They allow scientists to see broad
patterns and interactions instead of focusing on single factors
Reductionist Approach - answer-Studying one component of a system in isolation to understand
its mechanism
1
