Molecular vs. biological structure. A comparative analysis

Postgenomic biology is largely focused on intracellular protein, metabolic, and gene regulatory networks. The structure of these networks shows a certain similarity to molecular structure, while also manifests specificity not encountered in molecular graphs. Proceeding from graph theory, this presentation makes a comparative analysis of molecular structure and that of macromolecular intracellular networks. It is concluded that while biological graph theory generally repeats the earlier developments in chemical graph theory, it also builds on contributions from physics, computer sciences, and social sciences. and the exchange of expertise would benefit both branches of science.