  Non-normality can underlie pulse dynamics in many engineering contexts.
However, its role in pulses generated in biomolecular contexts is generally
unclear. Here, we address this issue using the mathematical tools of linear
algebra and systems theory on simple computational models of biomolecular
circuits. We find that non-normality is present in standard models of
feedforward loops. We used a generalized framework and pseudospectrum analysis
to identify non-normality in larger biomolecular circuit models, finding that
it correlates well with pulsing dynamics. Finally, we illustrate how these
methods can be used to provide analytical support to numerical screens for
pulsing dynamics as well as provide guidelines for design.
