Algebraic models and their use in systems biology

Progress in systems biology relies on the use of mathematical and statistical models for system-level studies of biological processes. Several different modeling frameworks have been used successfully, including traditional differential-equation-based models, a variety of stochastic models, agent-based models, and Boolean networks, to name some common ones. This chapter focuses on discrete models, and describes a mathematical approach to the construction and analysis of discrete models which relies on combinatorics and computational algebraic geometry. The underlying mathematical concept is that of a polynomial dynamical system over a finite field. Examples are given of the advantages of this approach, and several applications are discussed.