Splitting of cell clusters and bifurcation of bryozoan branches

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We present a cell mechanical model that exhibits the pattern-forming behaviour of a cluster of cells at the growing tips of bryozoan branches. The crucial event in the production of the overall branching pattern is the splitting of the cluster into two clusters, rather than the formation of the cluster from a uniform distribution. In simulations, the uniform cell distribution initially evolved, as indicated by a linear analysis, either to a spatially patterned state, or to a temporally oscillating state. We suggest that the same processes responsible for the formation and behaviour of the cell cluster may also be responsible for tip branching.

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      Although the species-level taxonomy of Acanthodesia is difficult and in need of revision, all material used in this study may be reliably referred to this genus. As cheilostome bryozoan colonies grow, new zooids bud at the distal ends of existing rows (e.g. Goldwasser et al., 1989). In Acanthodesia it is relatively easy to identify rows comprising successions of parent and offspring zooids, unlike some cheilostome taxa where tessellation patterns of zooids within colonies can complicate identification of parent–offspring relationships (Hayward, 1980).

    Present address: Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, U.S.A.

    Present address: Department of Mathematics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, U.S.A.

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