The spatial form self-organization in the development of Dictyostelium discoideum.

The emergence of the developmental axis within the early aggregate Dictyostelium discoideum is analyzed. Macroscopic parameters of physical continuum such as hydrostatic pressure and surface tension are applied to the cell mass. Cell chemotaxis, differential rate of attractant production by the prestalk and prespore cells and attractant diffusion are shown to be sufficient factors for the Dictyostelium slug morphogenesis.