On Pattern and Evolution

Abstract

A model of pattern formation in living systems is presented. The pattern is achieved by the sequential interaction of two signaling pathways. The coupling of the pattern to the (thick) epithelial sheet changes is given, when the Gauss curvature'K'enters. The model suggests a novel point-like placement for organs such as eyes, antennae, limbs, and wings. In the case of plant patterns, 'leaf' outgrowths from a stem are predicted to be under the control of a yet to be discovered "master regulatiory gene", analogous to the animal case, when various outgrowths from the animal body are generally accompanied by activation of the 'distal-less' (Dll) gene.