Basic Phytochrome B Calculations

Abstract

Mathematical models are important tools in helping us to understand complex biological systems. Models of phytochrome-regulated systems in Arabidopsis thaliana have shown the importance of dimerization, nuclear transport, and thermal/dark reversion in mediating phytochrome activity and plant development. Here we go through the steps required to calculate the steady-state amounts of phytochrome subspecies relative to the total phytochrome molecule population. Starting from a simplified two-state system we expand and apply the technique to the extended phytochrome dimer model. Additionally, we provide a Python package that can automatically calculate the proportion of phytochrome B in a particular state given specific experimental conditions.