A cellular automaton model of morphogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana

Development of organisms is a very complex process in that a lot of gene networks of different cell types are to be integrated. Development of cellular automata that model the morphodynamics of different cell types is the first step in understanding and analyzing the regulatory mechanisms that underlie the developmental gene networks. We have developed a model of a cellular automaton that simulates the embryonic development of the shoot meristem in Arabidopsis thaliana. The model adequately describes the basic stages in the development of this organ in wild type and mutants.

     

A cellular automaton model of morphogenesis in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Arabidopsis thaliana</Emphasis>

Development of organisms is a very complex process in that a lot of gene networks of different cell types are to be integrated. Development of cellular automata that model the morphodynamics of different cell types is the first step in understanding and analyzing the regulatory mechanisms that underlie the developmental gene networks. We have developed a model of a cellular automaton that simulates the embryonic development of the shoot meristem in Arabidopsis thaliana. The model adequately describes the basic stages in the development of this organ in wild type and mutants.     

Changes in litter size in Kerry blue terrier dogs with abnormal dentition

The pleiotropic effects of mutations resulting in abnormal dentition were analyzed in Kerry Blue Terrier. A decrease in litter size was demonstrated for dogs with dentition anomalies. The mean litter size was 5.72 puppies when both parents had normal dentition and 3.64 puppies when the parents had hypodontia. Analysis showed that the decrease in litter size cannot be fully explained by the effect of inbreeding and is most probably associated with the pleiotropic effect of the genes controlling teeth development on the embryonic viability.     

Inheritance of litter size at birth in farmed arctic foxes (Alopex lagopus, Canidae, Carnivora)

Natural populations of the arctic fox (Alopex lagopus, Canidae, Carnivora) differ drastically in their reproductive strategy. Coastal foxes, which depend on stable food resources, produce litters of moderate size. Inland foxes feed on small rodents, whose populations are characterized by cycling fluctuation. In the years with low food supply, inland fox populations have a very low rate of reproduction. In the years with high food supply, they undergo a population explosion. To gain insight into the genetic basis of the reproductive strategy of this species, we performed complex segregation analysis of the litter size in the extended pedigree of the farmed arctic foxes involving 20,665 interrelated animals. Complex segregation analysis was performed using a mixed model assuming that the trait was under control of a major gene and a large number of additive genetic and random factors. To check the significance of any major gene effect, we used Elston-Stewart transmission probability test. Our analysis demonstrated that the inheritance of this trait can be described within the frameworks of a major gene model with recessive control of low litter size. This model was also supported by the pattern of its familial segregation and by comparison of the distributions observed in the population and that expected under our model. We suggest that a system of balanced polymorphism for litter size in the farmed population might have been established in natural populations of arctic foxes as a result of adaptation to the drastic fluctuations in prey availability.     

Changes in litter size in Kerry Blue Terrier dogs with abnormal dentition

The pleiotropic effects of mutations resulting in abnormal dentition were analyzed in Kerry Blue Terrier. A decrease in litter size was demonstrated for dogs with dentition anomalies. The mean litter size was 5.72 puppies when both parents had normal dentition and 3.64 puppies when the parents had hypodontia. Analysis showed that the decrease in litter size cannot be fully explained by the effect of inbreeding and is most probably associated with the pleiotropic effect of the genes controlling teeth development on the embryonic viability.