The growing size and complexity of molecular network models makes them increasingly difficult to construct and understand. Modifying a model that consists of tens of reactions is no easy task. Attempting the same on a model containing hundreds of reactions can seem nearly impossible. We present the JigCell Model Connector, a software tool that supports large-scale molecular network modeling. Our approach to developing large models is to combine smaller models, making the result easier to comprehend. At the base, the smaller models (called modules) are defined by small collections of reactions. Modules connect together to form larger modules through clearly defined interfaces, called ports. In this work, we enhance the port concept by defining three types of ports. An output port is linked to an internal component that will send a value. An input port is linked to an internal component that will receive a value. An equivalence port is linked to an internal component that will both receive and send values. Not all modules connect together in the same way; therefore, multiple connection options need to exist.

中文翻译：

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JigCell 模型连接器：从组件构建大分子网络模型

分子网络模型的不断增长的规模和复杂性使得它们越来越难以构建和理解。修改由数十个反应组成的模型并非易事。在包含数百个反应的模型上尝试相同的操作似乎几乎是不可能的。我们介绍了 JigCell 模型连接器，这是一种支持大规模分子网络建模的软件工具。我们开发大型模型的方法是组合较小的模型，使结果更容易理解。在基础上，较小的模型（称为模块）由小型反应集合定义。模块通过明确定义的接口（称为端口）连接在一起形成更大的模块。在这项工作中，我们通过定义三种类型的端口来增强端口概念。输出端口链接到将发送值的内部组件。输入端口链接到将接收值的内部组件。等效端口链接到将接收和发送值的内部组件。并非所有模块都以相同的方式连接在一起；因此，需要存在多个连接选项。