Structure formation of living systems: Turing or not Turing?

Abstract:

Biological structures are the results of biophysical, biochemical, and biomechanical interactions. Control is mediated by external and internal cues, by genes of subsystems, and by internal sensors and regulatory systems, among others.

Reviewed today, the celebrated Turing mechanism is only one among several causes of pattern formation. Nonlinear dynamics, the control of subunits, memory effects, and other aspects may in fact play a much more dominant role in the pattern formation of biological structures.

Intensive discussion is our goal, and is highly welcome.