Fluid flows shaping organism morphology

TL;DR

This paper explores how fluid flows within network-shaped organisms like slime moulds influence their dynamic, self-organized morphologies, providing insights into the mechanisms of biological network formation and adaptation.

Contribution

It investigates the role of cytoplasmic fluid flows in shaping organism morphology, highlighting fluid dynamics as a key factor in self-organization of network structures.

Findings

Fluid flows are crucial in morphological dynamics.

Self-organization of networks is driven by internal fluid movement.

Insights into biological network formation and adaptation.

Abstract

A dynamic self-organized morphology is the hallmark of network-shaped organisms like slime moulds and fungi. Organisms continuously re-organize their flexible, undifferentiated body plans to forage for food. Among these organisms the slime mould Physarum polycephalum has emerged as a model to investigate how organism can self-organize their extensive networks and act as a coordinated whole. Cytoplasmic fluid flows flowing through the tubular networks have been identified as key driver of morphological dynamics. Inquiring how fluid flows can shape living matter from small to large scales opens up many new avenues for research.