Why is the biochemical basis of morphogenesis not fully understood?

The biochemical basis of morphogenesis remains incompletely understood because, while scientists have made significant progress in describing development through the lens of protein production and enzyme activity, these chemical operations do not fully account for the physical architecture of development.1

Morphogenesis involves the movement of parts of a system into specific spatial positions, a process that requires the action of physical forces in addition to chemical ones. Although researchers have successfully tested hypotheses regarding the timing of specific protein appearances, they have yet to fully explain the underlying biochemical reasons for the development of particular structures.21

Furthermore, there is currently no satisfactory classification for the vast range of processes that bring the diverse structures of living organisms into being. While chemical and physical processes typically function in close connection during development, the complexity of these interactions makes it difficult to isolate the precise biochemical triggers that dictate the final shape and relative positioning of biological systems.21