Stochastic simulation of a bistable chemical system: The two-box model

The two-box model of a bistable chemical system is analyzed from the deterministic and stochastic point of view. It is shown that certain inhomogeneous states which are asymptotically stable in the deterministic case, appear during the stochastic evolution of the system as transient structures. These structures facilitate transitions between homogeneous steady states. Moreover, the dependence of the transition time on diffusion is not monotonous, but shows a significant minimum.