Morphogenics and the existence of morphogens.

[the tree]

I've been reading 'Mathematical Biology' by J.D. Murray (Springer, 1989, 1993). Particuarly chapter 15 'Animal Coat Patterns and Other Practical Applications of Reaction Diffusion Equations'. But my supervisor tells me that the Reaction Diffisusion model, whilst useful isn't considered to be accurate by contemporary biologists and the existence of morphogens is looking more and more doubtful.

 

I am trying to use Reaction Diffusion Equations to look at the formation of patterns on butterfly wings, but would appreciate any knowledge on how much this model is thought to relate to the real world.

Edited November 3, 2010 by the tree