Objective
We propose a combined biological, geometrical and physical study of shape formation during the development of leaves. We will test our hypothesis that the formation of complex structures during leaf patterning involves theinterplay between genetic properti es of the plant and mechanical instabilities. We show, based on geometrical principles, that simple growth profiles can generate mechanical stresses within the tissue and induce mechanical instabilities, such as buckling, wrinkling and strain focusing. The se instabilities break the spatial symmetry by setting length scales and by "marking sites" on the leaf, where stresses are concentrated. Stress concentration, then, could affect further patterning of the tissue through differential growth and differentiat ion, leading to the observed complex structures. According to the new view we propose, genes involved in patterning are not, necessarily, responsible for a direct "shaping" of the leaf. Instead, they may control leaf shape and veins formation by generating simple "growth laws" and by controlling the tissue sensitivity to mechanical stresses, partially through the control of biosynthesis and activity of plant hormones. The proposed principles can be extended to include a wider class of developing systems. T he proposed work is intrinsically interdisciplinary. It will combine novel ideas and experimental techniques from both biological and physical disciplines and will integrate the specialties of several laboratories, located at different EU member/associated states. We expect the research to impact the way the development of organisms, and plants in particular, is understood. The tools developed in the proposed research will potentially be applicable to other scientific and technological fields, such as the d evelopment of industrial, highly deformable materials and the study of cancer tumors. The research is not compatible with any FP6 thematic priority, but fits well within ADVENTURE's spirit.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP6-2003-NEST-B-1
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Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
JERUSALEM
Israel
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.