During embryogenesis, organisms with complex morphology evolve step by step from a simple system, such as a ball of cells. This is based on a precise and robust sequence of chemical and mechanical pattern formation processes.<br><br>

In the past, researchers have been mainly focused on purely biochemical approaches to explain these shapes and patterns, i.e. mechanical patterns have been assumed to be passive by-products of chemical processes. However, many steps during embryogenesis are still far from being understood.<br><br>

In this study, we present a possible key to understand these processes by considering tissue mechanics as an active part in tissue pattern formation. Using an initial mathematical model we show, that even simple (hypothetical) interactions between chemicals and tissue mechanics can lead spontaneously to tissue pattern formation.