A Self-Controlled and Self-Healing Model of Bacterial Cells

Area of Science:

• Computational Biology
• Systems Biology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Morphogenetic (M) systems model self-assembly through local interactions of simple components.
• Previous M systems have modeled cellular morphogenesis, membrane assembly, and self-reproduction.
• A balance between biological, physical-chemical, and computational realism is sought in these models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a family of dynamic M systems (Mbac) modeling bacterial cell formation and division.
• To simulate bacterial behaviors, including nutrient-sensitive growth and self-healing properties.
• To provide rigorous, quantitative definitions for concepts like injury and self-healing in biological systems.

Main Methods:

• Development of a computational model (Mbac) based on discrete time and continuous 3D space.
• Utilizing three types of constitutive objects (tiles, protein-like elements) and approximately 20 developmental rules.
• Simulating membrane formation, septic mitosis, and nutrient transport dynamics.

Main Results:

• The Mbac model successfully replicates bacterial cell growth, division, and self-healing behaviors at the macro-level.
• The model demonstrates self-controlled growth sensitive to nutrient availability.
• Rigorous, quantitative definitions and analyses of injury and self-healing are enabled by the model.

Conclusions:

• Self-assembly and environmental interactions, particularly at membrane interfaces, are crucial for self-healing in biological systems.
• The Mbac model provides a framework for precise, quantitative understanding of complex biological self-organization and repair.
• This approach advances the study of morphogenesis, cellular development, and the functional interface of biological membranes.