Dynamic modelling trophic networks with BioPEPA

Abstract

We consider a process algebra for modelling and the analysis of biochemical network, called Bio-PEPA. It is based on PEPA, a process algebra originally defined for the performance analysis of computer systems, and extended in order to handle some features of biochemical networks, such as stoichiometry and different kinds of kinetic laws. In Bio-PEPA we can make different kinds of analysis, static and dynamic. In this thesis we focus on the dynamic analysis of trophic networks. A trophic network represents an ecological community of organisms and their feeding relations. We will first consider a toy case of trophic network described in a Bio-PEPA model, and then we apply the same ideas to a real case of trophic network, namely the Venice Lagoon.