Paper

703 Words2 Pages

A model organism is a non-human species that is extensively studied to understand particular biological phenomena. The observations are expected to provide insight into the workings of other organisms. When we study disease, development and genetics in biology, they need to be studied in vitro to see how these processes (i.e. pathways and signals) work. Studying these in humans could be considered unethical or unsafe, and very expensive. Model organisms provide insight that we can’t gain from lab equipment alone. What we learn in model organisms can be used to predict what would happen to other organisms. All organisms evolved from the same ancestors and pathways are the same across all different species. Model organisms are a small number of species that have been studied extensively. We extrapolate information from model organisms to understand developmental, biological and metabolic pathways conserved throughout evolution. A model organism is one that can be used to effectively conduct biological research. They are necessary so that researchers can conduct their experiments quickly and efficiently while producing accurate results. Model organisms tend to be simple, making it easier for researchers to change one element and analyze the effects of that change.
Characteristics common to model organisms are small size, short life cycles, rapid development, quick availability and tractability, and no danger working with them. Many species are good models because we have extensive knowledge of them due to previous research. Two of the most important traits for effective model organisms are small size and rapid life cycles. Ideally, they should be small, as large amounts of progeny will be produced. Large organisms would need a lot of...

... middle of paper ...

...e a lot of different trials. The life cycle is short; so several generations can be produced easily and quickly. The genome of C. Elegans has been completely sequenced, which is useful for genetic studies allowing researchers to pick genes of interest to study.
To assess whether or not Choanoflagellates are destined to become model organisms is difficult. They are small like most model organisms, but their lifecycles are not well known (little is known of their life cycle). Although much information of Choanoflagellates remains unknown, based on what we do know of them, it is not unlikely they might become a model organism. However, it is still difficult to assess to a degree of certainty that they will certainly end up being model organisms. Once more research is carried out on the organism and more is known about their life cycles, a certain judgment can be made.

Open Document