Facility in the targeted manipulation of the genetic and metabolic composition of organisms, combined with unprecedented computational power, is forging a niche for a new subspecialty of biotechnology called metabolic engineering. This book introduces researchers and advanced students in biology and engineering to methods of optimizing biochemical systems of biotechnological relevance. It examines the development of strategies for manipulating metabolic pathways, demonstrates the need for effective systems models, and discusses their design and analysis, while placing special emphasis on optimization. The authors propose power-law models and methods of Biochemical Systems Theory toward these ends. All concepts are derived from first principles, and the text is richly illustrated with numerous graphs and examples throughout. Special features include: ? both nontechnical and technical introductions to models of biochemical systems ? a review of basic methods of model design and analysis ? concepts of optimization ? detailed case studies Biotechnologists will find this introductory book a highly valuable reference, as will other scientists and engineers interested in biological systems.