Bailey D W
Differentiation. 1986;33(2):89-100. doi: 10.1111/j.1432-0436.1986.tb00414.x.
Genetic programming of the developmental processes in multicellular organisms is proposed to be so intricate and vitally important that a large set of genes is dedicated solely to this end. It is further proposed that this set can be compartmentalized into subsets on the basis of the changes in gene activities that occur during ontogenesis, and that the genes in each subset transiently control the epigenetic activities of a small group of cells. Automatic subset activation is achieved by the product of a gene in each subset that transfers activity specifically to the subset next in the developmental sequence. This device can generate a unidirectional series of activations that cascade hierarchically through development like toppling dominoes. The model provides a basis for developmental phenomena, such as pattern formation, morphogenesis, and regeneration, and it makes testable predictions at the molecular level.
多细胞生物发育过程的基因编程被认为是极其复杂且至关重要的，以至于有一大组基因专门用于此目的。进一步提出，这组基因可以根据个体发育过程中发生的基因活动变化划分为多个子集，并且每个子集中的基因会短暂控制一小群细胞的表观遗传活动。每个子集中一个基因的产物将活性特异性地传递给发育序列中的下一个子集，从而实现自动子集激活。这种机制可以产生一系列单向激活，像推倒多米诺骨牌一样在发育过程中分层级联。该模型为诸如模式形成、形态发生和再生等发育现象提供了基础，并在分子水平上做出了可检验的预测。
