The fusion of control analysis and temporal analysis of metabolic systems

Metabolic control analysis and the study of the transient response of metabolic systems had coincident births in 1973. They developed along parallel lines until in 1989/90 their complete fusion occurred. It was evident that the control of the transient response of metabolism could be described in terms of general control properties, such as the flux and concentration control coefficients and elasticities. Consequently, it is possible to define temporal control coefficients which relate to the lifetimes of individual metabolite pools or to the total system temporal response. These control coefficients are readily expressed in terms of the flux and concentration control coefficients. Therefore, to analyse the control of metabolism is also to analyse its temporal response.