Figure 2
From: Structure, function, and behaviour of computational models in systems biology
Dual interpretation of bio-models. A model can be mathematically interpreted as a text in a formal language resulting in “formal semantics”. This intrinsic meaning is necessary for using the model in computations. In order to exploit the results of such computations for the explanation of biological phenomena the model needs also a biological interpretation: the model possesses an extrinsic meaning relating its structure, its functionality, and its behaviour to biological reality. Ultimately, modelling is about making appropriate computational representation of biological reality.