On Pattern and Evolution

TL;DR

This paper presents a model of pattern formation in living systems, linking signaling pathways and geometric factors like Gauss curvature to organ placement and outgrowths in plants and animals.

Contribution

It introduces a novel model connecting signaling pathways, geometric curvature, and pattern formation, predicting new mechanisms for organ placement and outgrowth regulation.

Findings

Coupling of signaling pathways influences pattern formation.

Gauss curvature affects epithelial sheet changes.

Predicts a master regulatory gene for plant outgrowths.

Abstract

A model of pattern formation in living systems is presented. The pattern is achieved by the sequential interaction of two signaling pathways. The coupling of the pattern to the (thick) epithelial sheet changes is given, when the Gauss curvature'K'enters. The model suggests a novel point-like placement for organs such as eyes, antennae, limbs, and wings. In the case of plant patterns, 'leaf' outgrowths from a stem are predicted to be under the control of a yet to be discovered "master regulatiory gene", analogous to the animal case, when various outgrowths from the animal body are generally accompanied by activation of the 'distal-less' (Dll) gene.