Abstract
We start from demonstrating that macroscopic embryonic “designs” are mechanically stressed and that the formation of embryonic structures of different geometry is owed to the partial and controlled stress relaxation. Next, we suggest a model of morphomechanical feedbacks giving rise to the regular structure of mechanical stress fields (stress hyperrestoration, or HR model). With the use of this model, different biologically realistic shapes and types of development can be reproduced. The origin and role of nonmechanical factors in specifying the results of morphomechanical feedbacks are briefly discussed. In general, we emphasize a role played by the upper level of embryonic organization, characterized by a definite mechanogeometry, in regulating developmental events.
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7. Acknowledgments
This study is supported by the Russian Fund for Fundamental Investigations (RFFI), grant number 11-04-01718.
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Beloussov, L.V. (2012). Development of Organisms as Self-Organization of Mechanically Stressed Macroscopic Designs. In: Swan, L., Gordon, R., Seckbach, J. (eds) Origin(s) of Design in Nature. Cellular Origin, Life in Extreme Habitats and Astrobiology, vol 23. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4156-0_39
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4156-0_39
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