Reaction-Diffusion Model as a Framework for Understanding Biological Pattern Formation

Abstract

Turing Model Explained The reaction-diffusion (Turing) model is a theoretical model used to explain self-regulated pattern formation in biology. Although many biologists have heard of this model, a better understanding of the concept would aid its application to many research projects and developmental principles. Kondo and Miura (p. 1616 ) now review the reaction-diffusion model. Despite the associated mathematics, the basic idea of the Turing model is relatively easy to understand and relates to morphogen gradients. In addition, user-friendly software makes it easy to understand how a whole variety of patterns can be produced by this simple mechanism.