Elongation and shape changes in organisms with cell walls: A dialogue between experiments and models

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Biophysics
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Anisotropic shape generation is fundamental to organismal morphogenesis.
• Mechanical forces play a crucial role in shaping organisms, interacting with molecular processes.
• Understanding these mechanics is key to deciphering biological development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review mechanisms of shape generation and maintenance in plants, fungi, oomycetes, and bacteria.
• To focus on theoretical models linking growth and mechanics.
• To discuss how modeling enhances understanding of underlying biological mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on morphogenesis, mechanics, and growth.
• Analysis of theoretical models integrating mechanical principles with biological growth.
• Comparison of model predictions with experimental data across different organisms.

Main Results:

• Elongated shapes arise from a sophisticated interplay between cellular growth and physical forces.
• Theoretical models provide a framework for understanding how mechanical constraints influence morphogenesis.
• Experimental data supports the role of mechanics in maintaining anisotropic forms.

Conclusions:

• Mechanics is a critical, yet often subtle, factor in generating and maintaining anisotropic organismal shapes.
• Theoretical modeling, integrated with experimental validation, is essential for advancing our comprehension of developmental processes.
• Further research integrating mechanics and molecular biology will illuminate the fundamental principles of morphogenesis.