Pattern formation in dictyostelids

We make two main points about the present and the future of the study of pattern formation, which is perhaps the most interesting problem in modern developmental biology. One is that a complete understanding of a developing organism will require the integration of knowledge from a wide variety of disciplines. Our other main point is the importance of comparing organisms to find universal solutions. Here we compare two dictyostelids that have somewhat different development, to point a way toward understanding how fundamental mechanisms can vary to produce altered shapes.