Cellular automata models of biochemical phenomena

This paper describes the use of kinematic, asynchronous, stochastic cellular automata to model water and solution phenomena encountered in complex biological systems. These in silico experiments are designed to assess the ability of the dynamic simulations to model some physical properties observed in solutions. Several experiments are described with significant relationship to physical reality. These include solution behavior, dissolution, immiscible systems, micelle formation, diffusion, membrane passage, enzyme activity and acid dissociation. From the confidence developed in these models, it is possible to consider cellular automata as an exploratory method for the discovery and understanding of new, unexpected phenomena. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.