Modelling from the experimental developmental biologists viewpoint

In this review we consider Reaction-Diffusion as the archetype of a model in developmental biology. We consider its history in relation to experimental work since it was first proposed in 1952 by Turing and revived in the 1970s by Meinhardt. We then discuss the most recent examples of experiments that address this model, including the challenges that remain in capturing the physico-chemical manifestation of the model mechanism in a real developmental system. Finally we discuss the model's current status and use in the experimental community.