Tracheid analysis and modeling of the minor veins of the coleus and smilax leaves.
Tracheid analysis was carried out on the veinlets and minor veins of the coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides [L.] Codd) leaf. Third- to fifth-order, or minor, veins average 3.4 tracheids in tandem and they bipartition islets when these enclosed islets reach a critical size; both these features of vein length and islet size contribute to a self-similar process of vein pattern generation. An areole was calculated to be initially comprised of about ten cells making the patterning event for vein formation requiring only a few cells. An algorithmic model developed here for minor vein formation includes five production rules, and this computer model explains the 3-4 tracheids per minor vein, presence of isolated tracheids, the structure of veinlets, and the elaborate branching patterns of veinlets in coleus and other plants.
Korn
Robert
R
Department of Biology, Bellarmine University, 2001 Newburg Road, Louisville, KY 40205, USA. rkorn@bellarmine.edu
D019521:Body Patterning; D002452:Cell Count; D031330:Coleus / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development*; D008954:Models, Biological; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development*; D032281:Smilax / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development*