title: Physical investigation on the origin of coloured patches of some kidney beans, Phaseolus vulgaris L.
abstract: 1. The geometrical configuration of the coloured patches of a certain species of kidney bean,Phaseolus vulgaris L., is explained satisfactorily by the combination of two sets of boundary lines on the surface of seed. 2. It is shown experimentally that these two sets of lines have a close relationship to the crack-figures developed on enamel layer upon rubber ball when it is allowed to expand under suitable conditions. 3. The process of embryonal growth of the seed is investigated microscopically. An enormous expansion of ovule in comparison with funicular part is verified to take place m an early stage of ovular growth. 4. From the above evidences it may be assumed that some kind of cracks or latent cracks are made on the outer layer of ovule at a certain stage of growth, which may mark the boundaries of areas with different kind of properties with respect to pigment formation. This latent crackfigure may be developed into the coloured pattern in the well-grown state of seed. Nearly the same mechanism is assumed to hold for the formation of albino in Toraudura Kidney Bean, one of the varieties of the species. 5. Coloured patches of some mammals are discussed also in connection with the phenomenon of rupture of the surface of embryo.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Physical and Chemical Research, Tokyo.
authors.forename: Morisô
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hirata