Synthesizing a novel genetic sequential logic circuit

Mathematical model of the genetic sequential logic circuit Based on a previously defined model (Bintu et al. 2005), we employed a set of ordinary differential equations to describe the dynamic process of our genetic sequential logic circuit. The circuit’s variables, such as the concentrations of mRNAs and proteins, were plot as functions of time in response to external stimulus. In order to reduce the control parameters in the equations, we assumed that different transcription factors could independently bind on their operators in the same promoter region. We also adopted a Hill function rather than partition function to describe the effect of each repressor or activator (de Jong 2002; Gardner et al 2000; Lou et al 2007). For the equation (1)-(11), the descriptions and values of parameters or variables are listed in Table S1.