A theoretical approach to the genesis of cell layer arrangements in undifferentiated tissues.

Cell layer arrangements in undifferentiated tissues result from tissue-internal stress generated by a high accumulation of undifferentiated cells. The development of the tunica corpus structure in higher plants is used as an example to explain this thesis. The conditions on which this structure will develop are described. The crucial mark from which a tunica layer in an idealized apex will develop is calculated. This tunica structuring point of 3.85 cell units is a natural constant. A mathematical formula is deduced to determine the existing number of tunica layers in a shoot apex at any given moment. In recent years, a number of genes seen in causal connection with the meristem development could be identified. However, the assumption that the genesis of the layered structure of the shoot apex is also genetically fixed can be refuted with this theory.