Mathematical modeling in biology: Systems capable to live and die

The tendencies in the mathematical modeling of biological systems which under certain conditions are capable of supporting survival were reviewed. Its distinctive features were considered and inherent drawbacks analyzed. Models of limited life span in the animal organism were discussed, and a general scheme of the vital processes in organism, ageing, and death was presented. The oxidative theory-based homeostatic approach to ageing was shown to enable one to combine and generalize the existing theories of ageing. Consideration was given to the biotechnical applications of the homeostatic approach.