Can morphogenesis be understood in terms of physical rules?
Because the morphogenesis of biological systems is not fully understood, researches from various points of view are necessary. The present author has recently made computer simulations with his colleagues to construct branching systems of human organs, such as the lung airway and the liver blood vessels. In the simulations certain rules are assumed to govern bifurcating processes of the systems. These rules are expressed in terms of physical and geometrical concepts, such as minimum energy consumption and uniform filling of branches in the space of organs. Results of computer simulation are quite similar to real structures. However, actual mechanisms of morphogenesis, i.e. effects of genes or proteins, are not considered in these studies. In this article, the present work is discussed in relation to the concept of biological pattern formation by Meinhardt and a recent study by Miura and Shiota on lung growth.
Takaki
Ryuji
R
Kobe Design University, Nishi-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 651 2196, Japan. Takaki-r@kobe-du.ac.jp
D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008168:Lung / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008954:Models, Biological; D009024:Morphogenesis