Cauliflower fractal forms arise from perturbations of floral gene networks
Eugenio Azpeitia, Gabrielle Tichtinsky, Marie Le Masson, Antonio Serrano-Mislata, Jérémy Lucas, Veronica Gregis, Carlos Giménez, Nathanaël Prunet, Etienne Farcot, Martin M. Kater, Desmond Bradley, Francisco Madueño, Christophe Godin, François Parcy
Abstract
cauliflower-like mutant with modeling, we found that curd self-similarity arises because the meristems fail to form flowers but keep the "memory" of their transient passage in a floral state. Additional mutations affecting meristem growth can induce the production of conical structures reminiscent of the conspicuous fractal Romanesco shape. This study reveals how fractal-like forms may emerge from the combination of key, defined perturbations of floral developmental programs and growth dynamics.
Topics & Concepts
MeristemBiologyFractalWhorl (mollusc)Arabidopsis thalianaEvolutionary biologyBotanyMutantGeneGeneticsShootMathematicsMathematical analysisGenusPlant Molecular Biology ResearchPlant Reproductive BiologyPlant and animal studies