A topological model of cell division: structure of the computer program.

The general structure of a computer program (CD3D) simulating division in a sheet of cells is presented. The program is based on a topological representation of cell division previously developed by the authors, and the biological background to the model is discussed. The computer modelling of the various elements of the model (i.e. vertices, edges and meshes) is described, and an annotated description of the subroutines making up the program is given in an Appendix. Although the program and model are specifically designed to represent cell division processes, the graph framework may have applicability in other biological subject areas where dynamic relationships between elements are involved.