Pattern formation in the blue-green alga,Anabaena: I. basic mechanisms

• DOI: 10.1242/jcs.12.3.707
• Publication Date: 2021-04-25T20:41:43Z
• Authors: Michael Wilcox; G. J. Mitchison; R. J. Smith
• Keywords: Heterocyst; Pattern Formation

ABSTRACT Filaments of Anabaena have a spaced pattern differentiated cells called heterocysts, which is maintained as filament grows by the regular determination new heterocysts. By following growth every cell in filament, we identified proheterocysts (prospective heterocysts) at their earliest appearance, and described sequence events formation pattern. The obeys 2 rules: (1) that there are inhibitory zones around pre-existing (2) only smaller daughter division can become heterocyst (all divisions asymmetrical). There are, however, certain conditions these rules over-ridden, where consisting groups consecutive seen resolves into normal discrete This process highly suggestive interaction between developing cells. We tested this hypothesis breaking filaments near to early proheterocysts, on assumption will cause build-up effect upon itself. It found regress, losing character dividing. therefore propose an interactive model for Anabaena.