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Morphogenesis is the ensemble of processes that determines form,shape and patterns in organisms.Based on a reaction-diffusion theoretical setting and some prototype reaction schemes,we make a review of the models and experiments that support possible mechanisms of morphogenesis.We present specific case studies from chemistry and biology:the Belousov-Zhabotinski reaction,formation of wing eyespots patterns in butterflies,and segment patterning in Drosophila.We show the importance of conservation laws in the establishment of patterning in biological systems,and their relevance to explain phenotypic plasticity in living organisms.Mass conservation introduces a memory effect in biological development and phenotypic plasticity in patterns of living organisms can be explained by differences on the initial conditions occurring during development.