Biological Primitives.

Edward Charles DeLand

Expert InsightsPublished 1972

Discusses the concept, and proposes a list, of basic biological functions to aid biologists (as contrasted with mathematicians and chemists) in building models by means of RAND's BIOMOD interactive graphics computer system. These "biological primitives" are characterized as having unambiguous definitions and the capacity to be parameterized clearly and directly. Among the primitives identified are diffusion, equa-osmolarity, pressure gradient, compartment, binding and metabolism (as of a drug), and phosphate, bicarbonate, or protein buffer. The intention is to furnish the biologist modeler with building blocks that are uniquely meaningful to him and that do not require detailed knowledge of their underlying mathematics or chemistry to be used.

Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1972
  • Pages: 9
  • Document Number: P-4773

Citation

Chicago Manual of Style

DeLand, Edward Charles, Biological Primitives. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1972. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P4773.html.
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