Cell proliferation in file meristems: A general theory and its analysis by computer simulation

Abstract Theoretical principles of cell file proliferation are described. The study implies a mathematical approach and a digital simulation process, where the generation and evolution of the system are produced by a succession of discrete steps. Two types of proliferation controls have been tested and mathematical equations for each alternative have been formulated permitting a quantitative analysis of their predictions, and comparisons with the simulation results. In both control mechanisms the system reached a steady state kinetics characterized by a constant proliferative population and a constant yield of non-cycling cells, in agreement with linear kinetics. The results reported in this paper have permitted a fine analysis of quantitative and topographical features of the proliferative fraction along the cell column. Present data suggest the positional signal control as a more flexible hypothesis than the intracellular program and proliferative fractions predicted in the former hypothesis closely agree with experimental estimations. This approach can be successfully applied to any proliferative system where cell location can be mapped along an axis.