Biology by numbers: mathematical modeling in developmental biology — Tomlin, 2007
The article explains how mathematical models can be used to gain insights into the behavior of complex biological systems and predict how these systems will behave under different conditions. It provides several examples of how mathematical modeling has been used to study developmental biology. One example is modeling the behavior of individual cells, which can provide insights into how cells differentiate and form specific tissues. Another example is modeling the formation of complex tissue structures, such as the branching patterns of blood vessels or the shape of developing organs. Mathematical models can help researchers understand the underlying mechanisms that drive these processes and make predictions about how they might be manipulated in different contexts. It emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of this research and highlights the importance of collaboration between biologists, mathematicians, and computer scientists. This interdisciplinary approach is necessary because developmental biology is a complex and dynamic field that requires a deep understanding of both biological and mathematical concepts. The authors suggest that collaborations between these different fields can lead to new insights and discoveries in developmental biology. It discusses the challenges and limitations of using mathematical modeling in developmental biology. One challenge is that biological systems are inherently complex and can be difficult to model accurately. Another challenge is that experimental data is often limited, which can make it challenging to validate mathematical models. Despite these challenges, the authors argue that mathematical modeling is a powerful tool for studying developmental biology and has the potential to lead to new discoveries and applications in this field. Finally showing that mathematical modeling is a valuable tool for studying developmental biology. By using mathematical models, researchers can gain insights into the behavior of complex biological systems and make predictions about how these systems will behave under different conditions. The interdisciplinary nature of this research is emphasized, with collaborations between biologists, mathematicians, and computer scientists playing an important role in advancing our understanding of developmental biology. Despite the challenges of using mathematical modeling in this field, the authors argue that it is a powerful tool that has the potential to lead to new insights and discoveries in developmental biology.
Tomlin, C. J., & Axelrod, J. D. (2007). Biology by numbers: mathematical modelling in developmental biology. Nature reviews. Genetics, 8(5), 331–340. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrg2098
