SIMULATION OF DICTYOSTELIUM-DISCOIDEUM AGGREGATION VIA REACTION-DIFFUSION MODEL

We propose a reaction-diffusion model for simulation of the process of aggregation of Dictyostelium discoideum amoebae. The model is based o n FitzHugh-Nagumo-type equations for cyclic adenosine 3'-monophosphate waves and a continuity equation for amoebae motion. We simulate the p rocess of aggregation induced by a periodic point source and by spiral wave. We show that the aggregation pattern is formed as a result of f ront instabilities due to dependence of wave velocity on density of am oebae. This instability can also result in formation of wave breaks an d generation of spiral waves.