Noise Induced Biological Adaptation Differs between Analogous Differentiation Circuits

Analogous genetic regulatory networks with alternate orders of activation and repression can have comparable functions and generate similar average dynamics but differ in terms of stochastic variability (noise). Here we examine if noise affects biological adaptation to stress by comparing the induction dynamics of the native {\em B. subtilis} competence differentiation network to a synthetic network implemented {\em in vivo} by \c{C}agatay et al. that recapitulates mean dynamics but differs in noise. We use fluorescence microscopy to study the networks in live cells and stochastic models solved via the spectral method. The adaptability of the organism is affected by the circuit's ability to access different dynamic regimes as a function of stress.