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Related Experiment Videos

Physical schemata underlying biological pattern formation-examples, issues and strategies.

Herbert Levine1, Eshel Ben-Jacob

  • 1Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0319, USA.

Physical Biology
|October 6, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Nature utilizes non-equilibrium physics and chemistry for biological pattern formation. This study examines how organisms control these patterns, using bacterial colonies and calcium waves as examples.

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Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Chemical Biology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Biological systems create complex spatial and temporal patterns across diverse scales.
  • Nature harnesses non-equilibrium physics and chemistry for pattern formation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To frame biological pattern formation within established physical schemas.
  • To investigate mechanisms of pattern control in organisms.

Main Methods:

  • Classifying biological phenomena within pattern-formation schemas (e.g., diffusive-growth, excitable media).
  • Analyzing control mechanisms organisms employ to adapt patterns.

Main Results:

  • Biological pattern formation can be understood through physical schemas.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Examples include bacterial colony growth (diffusive-growth) and intracellular calcium waves (excitable media).

    • Conclusions:

    • Understanding biological pattern formation requires integrating physical principles with biological control.
    • This framework aids in studying how organisms adapt complex patterns.