Cellular automata models of biochemical phenomena

This paper describes the use of kinematic, asynchronous, stochastic cellula r automata to model water and solution phenomena encountered in complex bio logical systems. These in silico experiments are designed to assess the abi lity of the dynamic simulations to model some physical properties observed in solutions. Several experiments are described with significant relationsh ip to physical reality. These include solution behavior, dissolution, immis cible systems, micelle formation, diffusion, membrane passage, enzyme activ ity and acid dissociation. From the confidence developed in these models, i t is possible to consider cellular automata as an exploratory method for th e discovery and understanding of new, unexpected phenomena. (C) 1999 Elsevi er Science B.V. All rights reserved.