Barley morphology, genetics and hormonal regulation of internode
elongation modelled by a relational growth grammar
A multiscaled ecophysiological model of vegetative and generative
development of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is presented in this talk.
The model is based on the new formalism of relational growth grammars
(RGG), an extension of L-systems, and implemented using the new
modelling language XL. It is executable in the interactive modelling
platform GroIMP.
The model comprises a set of morphogenetic rules. These are combined
with a metabolic regulatory network, which simulates the biosynthesis of
gibberellic acid (GA1). GA1 and two of its metabolic precursors are
transported along the developing simulated structure. Local
concentrations of virtual GA1 control the elongation of internodes. In
addition, virtual barley individuals can be chosen interactively from a
(small) population, based on genotype, and (sexual or asexual)
reproduction is simulated. Genotype and phenotype of the population are
visualized. Seven Mendelian genes have been implemented in the model so
far; some of these directly influence the GA-regulation network.
The model exemplifies and validates the new formalism and modelling
language.
RGG have the capability to represent genetic, metabolic and
morphological aspects of plant development and reproduction, all within
the same framework.
Vincent Moulton
© 2005, CBL
Computational Biology Laboratory,
School of Computing Sciences,
University of East Anglia,
Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.