Pattern formation mechanisms - a comparison of reaction diffusion and mechanochemical models

Abstract

The elucidations of the underlying mechanisms that occur during morphogenesis is of fundamental importance in developmental biology. From the homogeneous mass of dividing cells of the early blastula, emerge the rich and varied range of pattern and structure observed in animals. Little is known about the mechanims involved in such development. Although genes must play a key role, genetics say little about the actual mechanisms which produce structure as an organism develops from the egg to its adult form.