Introductory review of computational cell cycle modeling.

Recent advances in the modeling of the cell cycle through computer simulation demonstrate the power of systems biology. By definition, systems biology has the goal to connect a parts list, prioritized through experimental observation or high-throughput screens, by the topology of interactions defining intracellular networks to predict system function. Computer modeling of biological systems is often compared to a process of reverse engineering. Indeed, designed or engineered technical systems share many systems-level properties with biological systems; thus studying biological systems within an engineering framework has proven successful. Here we review some aspects of this process as it pertains to cell cycle modeling.