The exact stochastic simulation algorithms

When used to model chemical and biological systems, the stochastic master equation and deterministic material balances constitute large sets of complex differential equations. These mathematical descriptions are often unwieldy for use in research and offer approximate solution at best. However, an alternative exists in the stochastic simulation algorithms (SSAs), which allow one to numerically simulate the time evolution of a chemical system without the introduction of approximations or formulation of complex sets of differential equations. In this chapter we introduce the seminal SSAs and illustrate their use by way of case studies. We also highlight key caveats regarding the simulation of living systems with these algorithms.