On topological simulations in developmental biology

Further study is made of the topological model framework for cell simulations that was introduced by Matela and Fletterick (1979, 1980). The role that cell-cell interactions play in development is studied via processes such as cell growth, cell division, cell movement, cell adhesion, cell differentiation, cell death, and the process of chemical diffusion. Two phenomena are employed in simple applications of the framework: cell cleavage and chemotactic cell movement. A model for the first steps of neural differentiation in the developing visual system of the Drosophila is introduced in a more comprehensive case study. The strengths and weaknesses of the topological approach are discussed.