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Dale R, Oswald S, Jalihal A, LaPorte MF, Fletcher DM, Hubbard A, Shiu SH, Nelson ADL, Bucksch A. Overcoming the Challenges to Enhancing Experimental Plant Biology With Computational Modeling. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:687652. [PMID: 34354723 PMCID: PMC8329482 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.687652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The study of complex biological systems necessitates computational modeling approaches that are currently underutilized in plant biology. Many plant biologists have trouble identifying or adopting modeling methods to their research, particularly mechanistic mathematical modeling. Here we address challenges that limit the use of computational modeling methods, particularly mechanistic mathematical modeling. We divide computational modeling techniques into either pattern models (e.g., bioinformatics, machine learning, or morphology) or mechanistic mathematical models (e.g., biochemical reactions, biophysics, or population models), which both contribute to plant biology research at different scales to answer different research questions. We present arguments and recommendations for the increased adoption of modeling by plant biologists interested in incorporating more modeling into their research programs. As some researchers find math and quantitative methods to be an obstacle to modeling, we provide suggestions for easy-to-use tools for non-specialists and for collaboration with specialists. This may especially be the case for mechanistic mathematical modeling, and we spend some extra time discussing this. Through a more thorough appreciation and awareness of the power of different kinds of modeling in plant biology, we hope to facilitate interdisciplinary, transformative research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee Dale
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Renee Dale
| | - Scott Oswald
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources and Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Amogh Jalihal
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mary-Francis LaPorte
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Daniel M. Fletcher
- Bioengineering Sciences Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Allen Hubbard
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Shin-Han Shiu
- Department of Plant Biology and Department of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | | | - Alexander Bucksch
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources and Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
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Antonova IS, Bart VA. Features of a Biennial Shoot System as a Unit for Modeling Crown Development in Ulmus glabra Huds. CONTEMP PROBL ECOL+ 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1995425520030026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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