dorsal/arxiv
View SchemaThe reaction-diffusion approach to morphogenesis
| Authors | Rui Dilao |
|---|---|
| Categories | |
| ArXiv ID | q-bio/0502041 |
| URL | https://arxiv.org/abs/q-bio/0502041 |
Abstract
Morphogenesis is the ensemble of processes that determines form, shape and patterns in organisms. Based on a reaction-diffusion theoretical setting and some prototype reaction schemes, we make a review of the models and experiments that support possible mechanisms of morphogenesis. We present specific case studies from chemistry (Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction) and biology (formation of wing eyespots patterns in butterflies). We show the importance of conservation laws in the establishment of patterning in biological systems, and their relevance to explain phenotypic plasticity in living organisms. Mass conservation introduces a memory effect in biological development and phenotypic plasticity in patterns of living organisms can be explained by differences on the initial conditions occurring during development.
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"abstract": "Morphogenesis is the ensemble of processes that determines form, shape and\npatterns in organisms. Based on a reaction-diffusion theoretical setting and\nsome prototype reaction schemes, we make a review of the models and experiments\nthat support possible mechanisms of morphogenesis. We present specific case\nstudies from chemistry (Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction) and biology (formation\nof wing eyespots patterns in butterflies). We show the importance of\nconservation laws in the establishment of patterning in biological systems, and\ntheir relevance to explain phenotypic plasticity in living organisms. Mass\nconservation introduces a memory effect in biological development and\nphenotypic plasticity in patterns of living organisms can be explained by\ndifferences on the initial conditions occurring during development.",
"arxiv_id": "q-bio/0502041",
"authors": [
"Rui Dilao"
],
"categories": [
"q-bio.CB"
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"title": "The reaction-diffusion approach to morphogenesis",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/abs/q-bio/0502041"
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