Pattern formation, positional information, and integration of growth

Abstract

The existence of patterns of cells, tissues, and organs implies coordination of the development of the units making up the patterns. There are basically two types of pattern-forming process. The order may be the result of an assemblage of similar but independent units like tiles, each with its own pattern, pushed together on a board. Alternatively, the pattern may be because of interaction between developing units, which promote or inhibit each others development and so modify the pattern as it forms (differentiation-dependent pattern formation). Are all patterns in plants formed interactively and, if so, what is the nature of the interactions between cells, tissues, and organs, and how do they control plant form?