Can the French flag and reaction-diffusion models explain flower patterning? Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the French flag model.

摘要: It has been 50 years since Lewis Wolpert introduced the French flag model proposing patterning of different cell types based on threshold concentrations a morphogen diffusing in tissue. Sixty-seven ago, Alan Turing idea patterns initiating de novo from reaction-diffusion network. Together these models have used to explain many events animal development, so here we take look at their applicability flower development. First, although plant transcription factors move through plasmodesmata cell, there is little evidence that they specify fate concentration-dependent manner, cannot yet be described as morphogens. Secondly, appears reasonably good description formation spots pigment petals, additional nuances are present. Thirdly, aspects both combine new fluctuation-based system creating scattered pattern giant cells Arabidopsis sepals. In future, more precise imaging and manipulations dynamics networks combined with mathematical modeling will allow us better understand how multilayered complex beautiful flowers emerge novo.