Plant Systems Modelling Group
Plants have developed sophisticated mechanisms to capture and use resources efficiently:
- complex internal molecular/biochemical mechanisms mediate the transport, accumulation, transformation of nutrients in the different compartments of the plant
- specialised structures are formed to exploit resources availability in space
- time and various biophysical processes facilitate the exchanges with the soil/atmosphere at the plant interface.
While the components required for these basic processes are becoming increasingly well characterised, little is still known of their precise co-ordination and control in space and time. In the Plant Systems Modelling Group, we are developing new quantitative approaches to understand and predict the precise nature of the coupling between these genetic and biophysical processes.
Modelling the genetic, physical and environmental processes of plant growth and development
Dynamics of the root exploration wave
Plant architectures result from the activity of their meristems. We believe that the distribution of these meristems in space propagates like waves. We have developed a simple model that describes the development of this 'meristematic front'.
Continuous Deformable Plant Models (CDPM)
A continuous approach has been developed to model the developpment of plant's branching structures. The plant's occupation of spacec is defined as domains that deform as a result of growth processes. The principle allows more efficient plant models de be constructed.
Plant architectural models incorporating genetic knowledge
How plant architecture responds to environmental signals is crucial for effective acquisition and competition for resources. We are developing models that incorporate the dynamic feedbacks between plant architecture, gene regulation and environmental conditions.
Multicellular models of plant morphogenesis
The networks of cell-cell interactions determine how new organs are initiated and regulated and modified by environmental signals. We are developing multicellular models to provide a fundamental understanding of how cell-cell interactions contribute to whole plant function.
Quantitative analysis of the plant architectural development
Computational tools for studying plant architecture and development
| We are developing methods to quantify, understand and predict plant development. These methods include image capture, mathematical modelling and computer simulation. We are using these methods as tools to collect and analyse data, build models and simulate the processes involved during plant morphogenesis. |
|
Development of an Optical Projection Tomographic system
|
Optical Projection Tomography (OPT) microscopy is a technique for imaging biological tissues in 3D using standard light microscopy. It was developed by James Sharpes at the University of Edinburgh in 2000. It is fast, suitable for large specimens and can utilise epifluorescent microscopy, which makes it a powerful tool for integrating cell biology with plant development. |
 |
