Physics (Internal)

Physics of evolution-development

This event is part of the Biophysics/Condensed Matter Seminar Series.

Abstract: Evolution is the central theory of biology, still it is not clear if it can be used as a physical theory, i.e. in a more predictive way. Recent insights have come from the new field of “evo/devo” (evolution-development) connecting molecular evolution to the dynamics and physics of embryonic development. I will describe a method of evolution “in silico” to generate models of genetic networks performing specific biological functions, and I will illustrate this method on the formation of two types of complex spatio-temporal patterns in vertebrate embryos : somitogenesis (vertebrae definition) and hox genes patterning (definition of the cellular antero-posterior identity). Simple geometric models evolve in the computer and describe well major aspects of embryonic development, leading to experimental predictions. Simulations and analytical calculations in simpler examples reveal that evolution can be described as an incremental kinetic process, predictable in some cases.