On a Model Mechanism for the Spatial Patterning of Teeth Primordia in the Alligator

We propose a model mechanism for the initiation and spatial positioning of teeth primordia in the alligator, Alligator mississippiensis. Detailed embryological studies by Westergaard & Ferguson (1986, 1987, 1990) show that jaw growth plays a crucial role in the developmental patterning of the to...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of theoretical biology Vol. 180; no. 4; pp. 287 - 296
Main Authors Kulesa, P.M., Cruywagen, G.C., Lubkin, S.R., Main, P.K., Sneyd, J., Ferguson, M.W.J., Murray, J.D.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier Ltd 21.06.1996
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:We propose a model mechanism for the initiation and spatial positioning of teeth primordia in the alligator, Alligator mississippiensis. Detailed embryological studies by Westergaard & Ferguson (1986, 1987, 1990) show that jaw growth plays a crucial role in the developmental patterning of the tooth initiation process. Based on biological data we develop a reaction-diffusion mechanism, which crucially includes domain growth. The model can reproduce the spatial pattern development of the first seven teeth primordia in the lower half jaw of A. mississippiensis. The results for the precise spatio-temporal sequence compare well with detailed developmental experiments.
ISSN:0022-5193
1095-8541
DOI:10.1006/jtbi.1996.0103