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Summary of Research Projects (Supports in 2005
Fiscal Year)
| Subjects |
Can allometric scaling law be derived from formation
of transport networks in biological systems? |
Representative
researcher |
Waseda University Atsuko TAKAMATSU
|
| The relation of power law between body
size (M) and biological activity (B) such as basal metabolism
is well known as allometric scaling law described by a relation B=aM
b. Recently, a theory that claims the allometric exponent b simply
depends on geometrical dimension D and can be described as b=D/(D+1),
was proposed. Most of living bodies need to transport substances e.g. nutrients
and oxygen through tubular networks e.g. vascular networks. It was assumed
in the theory that fractal structure of tubular network (G.B. West et al.
, 1997, Science) or the most effective transport network structure (J.
R. Banavar et al., 1999, Nature). In conventional animal, i.e. three-dimensional
organism follow 3/4-power law, which is widely observed. This study show
two-dimensional organisms can follow the rule of 2/3-power law by using
a plasmodium of true slime mold, Physarum polycephalum that has
a two-dimensionaly spread tubular network.. |
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