Linear noise approximation for stochastic oscillations of intracellular calcium.

A stochastic model of intracellular calcium oscillations is analytically studied. The governing master equation is expanded under the linear noise approximation and a closed prediction for the power spectrum of fluctuations analytically derived. A peak in the obtained power spectrum profile signals the presence of stochastic, noise induced oscillations which extend also outside the region where a deterministic limit cycle is predicted to occur.

Stochastic amplification of spatial modes in a system with one diffusing species.

The problem of pattern formation in a generic two species reaction-diffusion model is studied, under the hypothesis that only one species can diffuse. For such a system, the classical Turing instability cannot take place. At variance, by working in the generalized setting of a stochastic formulation to the inspected problem, spatially organized patterns can develop, seeded by finite size corrections. General conditions are given for the stochastic patterns to occur. The predictions of the theory are tested for a specific case study.