Download of "Models of Biological pattern formation"

The book appeared in 1982 with Academic Press, London. The models were developed on the basis of the observed regulatory behaviors known at that time. Since it was definitely written before the molecular tools became available, the mechanisms proposed were clear predictions. Several mechanism central in biological pattern formation have been meanwhile confirmed. Among these are:

> The compartment borders and especially their intersections are the organizing region for legs and wings in insects (Chapter 9)
> Boundaries also play a crucial role in the patterning of vertebrate limbs (Chapter 10)
> Gene activation requires a positive auto regulatory feedback of a gene product on the activation of its own gene (Chapter 11)
> Segmentation requires the mutual activation of feedback loops that locally exclude each other (Chapter 13)
> Somite formation occurs by a sequential conversion of a periodic pattern in time into a periodic pattern in space (Chapter 14)
> Long extended filamentous structures are formed as traces behind moving signals (chapter 15).

Of course, also general model for pattern formation based on local self-enhancement and long range inhibition is discussed in detail.

In an appendix, the source codes of short elementary programs (in FORTRAN) were included.

A discussion of some of these mechanisms in relation to more recent findings on the molecular-genetic level is provided in: Meinhardt,H (2008) Models of biological pattern formation: from elementary steps to the organization of embryonic axes Curr. Top. Dev. Biol. 81,1-63 [reprint PDF]

Using the original files, the book has been re-formatted by using PDF-LATEX. Therefore, the page numbers are not identical with that of the original print.
If large files are a problem, the download can be accomplished in several portions:

Chapters 7-10 (0.8 MB):
Gradients, pattern formation in insects (other than Drosophila), generation of coordinate systems for insect and vertebrate appendages

Chapters 11-13 (0.9 MB):Molecular switches by feedback of genes on their own activation; activation of several genes under the influence of a morphogen gradient;
Mutual activation of cell states; generation of sequences of structures; intercalary regeneration

Chapter 14 (0.4 MB):
Digits, segments somites: The superposition of sequential and periodic structures
The conversion of a periodic pattern in time into a periodic/sequential pattern in space

Chapter 15 (0.8 MB):
Formation of net-like structures, e.g. leaf venation

Chapter 17 (0.8 MB):
Computer programs and references