Looping Network Meetings

#60 December 16, 2024

Monday 15:00 (Paris/Warsaw time)

Benjamin M. Friedrich (Cluster of Excellence 'Physics of Life', TU Dresden)

Mechanism of branching morphogenesis inspired by diatom silica formation

Abstract:
The formation of minerals by living organisms is a widespread biological phenomenon occurring throughout the evolutionary tree of life. The silica-based cell walls of diatom microalgae are impressive examples featuring intricate architectures and outstanding materials properties that still defy their reconstitution in vitro. We present a minimal mathematical model that explains the formation of branched patterns of silica ribs, enhancing the understanding of basic physico-chemical processes capable of guiding silica morphogenesis in diatoms. The model highlights the role of geometric cues that guide self-organized pattern formation, in this case a central seed (primary silicification site), which establishes radial symmetry of patterns. Furthermore, the generic mechanism of branching morphogenesis identified here may apply in the biological morphogenesis of other branched structures, such as corals or bacterial biofilms.

Recording