Because the normal operation of the eye depends on sensitive morphogenetic processes for its eventual shape, developmental flaws can lead to wide-ranging ocular defects. However, the physical processes and mechanisms governing ocular morphogenesis are not well understood. Here, using analytical theory and nonlinear shell finite-element simulations, we show, for optic vesicles experiencing matrix-constrained growth, that elastic instabilities govern the optic cup morphogenesis. By capturing the stress amplification owing to mass increase during growth, we show that the morphogenesis is driven by two elastic instabilities analogous to the snap through in spherical shells, where the second instability is sensitive to the optic cup geometry. In particular, if the optic vesicle is too slender, it will buckle and break axisymmetry, thus, preventing normal development. Our results shed light on the morphogenetic mechanisms governing the formation of a functional biological system and the role of elastic instabilities in the shape selection of soft biological structures.

中文翻译：

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弹性不稳定性控制视杯的形态发生

由于眼睛的正常运作取决于其最终形状的敏感形态发生过程，发育缺陷可导致广泛的眼部缺陷。然而，控制眼部形态发生的物理过程和机制尚不清楚。在这里，使用分析理论和非线性壳有限元模拟，我们表明，对于经历基质约束生长的视囊泡，弹性不稳定性控制视杯形态发生。通过捕获由于生长过程中质量增加引起的应力放大，我们表明形态发生是由类似于球壳中的快速穿透的两种弹性不稳定性驱动的，其中第二不稳定性对视杯几何形状敏感。尤其是视囊泡太细，会弯曲破坏轴对称性，因此，阻碍正常发育。我们的结果阐明了控制功能生物系统形成的形态发生机制以及弹性不稳定性在软生物结构形状选择中的作用。