Computational Methods in Systems Biology

254 C. Talcott and M. Knapp

Fig. 2.Three principles

be explained by a PL model because they are caused by things other than signal
transduction.

3 The Experiment and Data

To correctly interpret data, it is important to understand how it is generated
and the criteria for interpreting measurements.

Primer on Interpreting the Results of Cell Based Assays

–Anexperimentstarts with seeding cells into the containers (petri dish, flask,

test tube) where they will be treated.

• The number ofbiological replicates is the number of containers used for each
  treatment. This detects differences in results caused by the seeding and treat-
  ment procedures.


• The number oftechnical replicates is the number of measurements made for
  each biological replicate. This gives you the probability that your detection
  method will give you the same value for the same sample.