The Relationship between Cell Division Pattern and Global Shape of Young Fern Gametophytes. II. Morphogenesis of Heart-Shaped Thalli

Abstract

Computer simulation of cell division patterns in the apical region of fern gametophytes illustrates the development of a concave apical front and the subsequent heart shape when the division ratio is below a certain threshold. Here, I apply the concept of division ratio to the gametophytes of three fern species and show that the same relationship between cell division pattern and global shape exists. This indicates that the method of quantitative analysis of cell division patterns is a promising addition to existing methods for two-dimensional growth analysis.