Lattice models of biological growth

Journal Article · Fri Jun 15 00:00:00 EDT 1990 · Physical Review, A (General Physics); (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.41.7024· OSTI ID:6698732

Young, D A; Corey, E M ^[1]

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1. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, University of California, Livermore, California 94550 (USA)

We show that very simple iterative rules for the growth of cells on a two-dimensional lattice can simulate biological-growth phenomena realistically. We discuss random cellular automata models for the growth of fern gametophytes, branching fungi, and leaves, and for shape transformations useful in the study of biological variation and evolution. Although there are interesting analogies between biological and physical growth processes, we stress the uniqueness of biological automata behavior. The computer growth algorithms that successfully mimic observed growth behavior may be helpful in determining the underlying biochemical mechanisms of growth regulation.

• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 6698732
• Journal Information: Physical Review, A (General Physics); (USA), Vol. 41:12; ISSN 0556-2791
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
GROWTH
ALGORITHMS
PATTERN RECOGNITION
SIMULATION
MATERIALS
MATHEMATICAL LOGIC
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