1. A method of extracting semantics from a static graphic image of a biological model and for converting the static image to an editable biological model, said method comprising the steps of: accessing stored information defining predefined constraints used to create the static image; identifying at least one entity or relationship represented in the static image, based upon the stored information; extracting information describing the at least one entity or relationship; and converting at least a portion of the biological model to an editable, local format using the extracted information.