A Vertex Network Model of Arabidopsis Leaf Growth

Biology provides many examples of complex systems whose properties allow organisms to develop in a highly reproducible, or robust, manner. One such system is the growth and development of flat leaves in Arabidopsis thaliana. This mechanistically challenging process results from multiple inputs including gene interactions, cellular geometry, growth rates, and coordinated cell divisions. To better understand how this complex genetic and cellular information controls leaf growth, we developed a mathematical model of flat leaf production. This two-dimensional model describes the gene interactions in a vertex network of cells which grow and divide according to physical forces and genetic information. Interestingly, the model predicts the presence of an unknown additional factor required for the formation of biologically realistic gene expression domains and iterative cell division. This two-dimensional model will form the basis for future studies into robustness of adaxial-abaxial patterning.