Conifer cotyledons: Shape development in early conifer embryos appears to have two stages: flattening and cotyledon formation (see Plant Experiments tab). We modelled this with two coupled reaction-diffusion patterning mechanisms (2018 Annals of Botany publication).
The number of cotyledons is highly variable in conifers. We have shown, through a mathematical model (2023 Frontiers in Plant Science paper), how this could result from variability in the gene expression patterns controlling the radius of the cotyledon whorl.
Leaf vein patterning: Veins form sequentially in broadleaf (dicot) plants, initiating at the leaf periphery and extending towards the leaf base. Canalized patterns of the hormone auxin (green, below) precede differentiation into vascular tissue. Auxin patterning depends on intercellular transport through PIN proteins (red, below). We developed a combined up-the-gradient and with-the-flux model of PIN allocation. With cell growth and division, these dynamics can generate primary and secondary vein network patterns (below), and generate some of the effects of experimental interference with PIN transport. The figure below is of simulated leaf and vein development from our 2021 in Silico Plants article.