Shell patterns - a natural picture book to study dynamic systems and biological pattern formation

2009 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Hans Meinhardt
Keyword(s):  
Pattern Formation ◽  
Dynamic Systems ◽  
Picture Book ◽  
Biological Pattern Formation

Mechanical Patterning in Animal Morphogenesis

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yonit Maroudas-Sacks ◽  
Kinneret Keren
Keyword(s):  
Pattern Formation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Coarse Grained ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Biochemical Processes ◽  
Substantial Progress ◽  
Biological Pattern Formation ◽  
Effective Theories ◽  
Biochemical Signals

Morphogenesis is one of the most remarkable examples of biological pattern formation. Despite substantial progress in the field, we still do not understand the organizational principles responsible for the robust convergence of the morphogenesis process across scales to form viable organisms under variable conditions. Achieving large-scale coordination requires feedback between mechanical and biochemical processes, spanning all levels of organization and relating the emerging patterns with the mechanisms driving their formation. In this review, we highlight the role of mechanics in the patterning process, emphasizing the active and synergistic manner in which mechanical processes participate in developmental patterning rather than merely following a program set by biochemical signals. We discuss the value of applying a coarse-grained approach toward understanding this complex interplay, which considers the large-scale dynamics and feedback as well as complementing the reductionist approach focused on molecular detail. A central challenge in this approach is identifying relevant coarse-grained variables and developing effective theories that can serve as a basis for an integrated framework for understanding this remarkable pattern-formation process. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology, Volume 37 is October 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

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