Alexander V. Spirov
Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology & Biochemistry; Thorez Prospect 44; S.-Petersburg; RussiaNowadays morphogenesis becomes commonly used term not only in biology but in the field of evolutionary computations also. The aim to deciphering or design set of rules that will themselves self-organize to produce Form, attracts both theoretical biologists and computer scientists. However, biological generalization of morphogenesis include such basic principles as "pattern-form interplay" and regulativity.
The problem of how the information coded in linear DNA molecule becomes translated into a three-dimensional form we treat with position of "Game of Morphogenesis": Pattern-Form Interplay Models. The characteristic feature of the models is feedback loop from (bio)chemical pattern formation to modeling embryo form changes. The system is open and pattern changes give rise to changes in form, these changes in form (surface geometry) cause further pattern changes, and so on.
In frames of A-Life strategy we asking how do we imagine it could have happened, but trying to approach as closely as possible to the strategies employed by actual living organisms. Potentiality of approach is demonstrated by simulation of early morphogenesis of sea urchin embryo, as well as curvature-increasing model for epithelial lobules formation. Revealed moduses of the model behavior are the simplest ones and just these moduses are realized in the early development. Taking into account the simplicity and universalism of the model, the obtained results may bring in evidence that there is a small biological specificness of the early embryo morphogenesis and that the prevalence of synergetic specificness of this process do exist.
By regulation biologists mean the ability of developing organisms to regulate their pattern to their size. Apparently it is one of the most striking properties of living organisms. In conclusion, we discussing perspectives to explore schemes for regulative morphogenesis in evolutionary simulations.
Copyright © 1996 Alexander Spirov aspirov@geocities.com
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