Using mathematical models to help understand biological pattern formation

One of the characteristics of biological systems is their ability to produce and sustain spatial and spatio-temporal pattern. Elucidating the underlying mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon has been the goal of much experimental and theoretical research. This paper illustrates this area of research by presenting some of the mathematical models that have been proposed to account for pattern formation in biology and considering their implications.To cite this article: P.K. Maini, C. R. Biologies 327 (2004)