Microscopic basis for Turing’s reaction–diffusion model in biological morphogenesis

Ascertain whether Turing’s reaction–diffusion model of pattern formation has a bona fide microscopic basis in specific biological systems by deriving or identifying molecular-scale mechanisms and interactions that correspond to the effective reaction–diffusion equations producing observed morphogenetic patterns.

Background

The Turing model has long served as a toy model for biological pattern formation, producing diverse spatial and temporal patterns from simple reaction–diffusion equations. Despite its influence, its relevance has been questioned because a direct molecular-scale underpinning is not established.

Resolving this would bridge effective models to mechanistic biology, strengthening claims that self-organization via reaction–diffusion operates in real developmental contexts.