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A mathematical model for storage and recall functions in plants
J Demongeot1, R Thomas, M Thellier
1TIMC-Imag-CNRS UJF-INPG, faculté de médecine, La Tronche, France.
Summary
Plantlets exhibit stored asymmetry in bud growth, influenced by environmental stress and cotyledon pricking. This asymmetry can be recalled and manipulated, similar to a memory system, by altering apical dominance and applying symmetrical treatments.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Developmental biology
- Mathematical modeling
Background:
- Cotyledonary bud growth in Bidens pilosa L. is asymmetric under stress.
- Apical dominance inhibits cotyledonary bud growth while the plant apex is present.
- Environmental stress and cotyledon pricking can induce and orient growth asymmetry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model the plant asymmetry phenomenon using discrete and continuous approaches.
- To explain the 'recalling' of stored asymmetry through symmetrical treatments.
- To investigate the feedback mechanisms underlying bud growth regulation.
Main Methods:
- Development of a discrete logical model of bud growth interactions.
- Formulation of a continuous differential model incorporating experimental observations.
- Analysis of positive and negative feedback circuits within the models.
Main Results:
- The models capture the asymmetric growth of cotyledonary buds.
- The 'recalling' of stored asymmetry is explained by model dynamics.
- Both models exhibit multistationarity and stability due to feedback circuits.
Conclusions:
- Stored plant asymmetry can be recalled and manipulated, analogous to memory systems.
- Mathematical models provide insights into the regulation of bud growth and asymmetry.
- Feedback circuits are crucial for multistationarity and stability in plant development.