Modelling the growth of plants with a uniform growth logistics.
J Theor Biol
; 349: 57-65, 2014 May 21.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-24480712
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIMS:
The increment model has previously been used to describe the growth of plants in general. Here, we examine how the same logistics enables the development of different superstructures.METHODS:
Data from the literature are analyzed with the increment model. Increments are growth-invariant molecular clusters, treated as heuristic particles. This approach formulates the law of mass action for multi-component systems, describing the general properties of superstructures which are optimized via relaxation processes.RESULTS:
The daily growth patterns of hypocotyls can be reproduced implying predetermined growth invariant model parameters. In various species, the coordinated formation and death of fine roots are modeled successfully. Their biphasic annual growth follows distinct morphological programs but both use the same logistics. In tropical forests, distributions of the diameter in breast height of trees of different species adhere to the same pattern. Beyond structural fluctuations, competition and cooperation within and between the species may drive optimization.CONCLUSION:
All superstructures of plants examined so far could be reproduced with our approach. With genetically encoded growth-invariant model parameters (interaction with the environment included) perfect morphological development runs embedded in the uniform logistics of the increment model.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Desarrollo de la Planta
/
Modelos Biológicos
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Theor Biol
Año:
2014
Tipo del documento:
Article