title: Computer simulation of aggregation in Dictyostelium discoideum.
abstract: The aggregation phase of development of the cellular slime mould Dictyostelium discoideum is simulated on a computer. The simulation is performed in 2 dimensions, and produces animated graphical output similar to time-lapse films. It is based on observations of cell behaviour as expressed by a set of rules for each cell, involving cell movement and release of and response to chemical signals. Following these rules, the simulation has reproduced many observed aggregation patterns: propagating waves of cell movement; formation of branching streams; entrainment of slower centres; and spiral centre formation. The simulation has proved to be an important adjunct to experimental work.
mesh_terms: D002449:Cell Aggregation; D002633:Chemotaxis; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000502:physiology; D004023:Dictyostelium / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development*; D007399:Interphase; D008954:Models, Biological; D009024:Morphogenesis; D010727:Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000242:Cyclic AMP; D010727:Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases