Model organism
Model organism
A model organism is a non-human species that is extensively studied to understand particular biological phenomena, with the expectation that discoveries made in the organism model will provide insight into the workings of other organisms. Model organisms are in vivo models and are widely used to research human disease when human experimentation would be unfeasible or unethical.
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈmɒdəl ˈɔːɡənɪzəm/
Etymology
The term "model organism" is derived from the concept of a "model" as a simplified or idealized representation of a system, and "organism", referring to an individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form.
Related terms
- Genetic model: A model organism that is used to study the function of a particular gene.
- Experimental model: A model organism used in experimental biology to study biological processes.
- Organism: An individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form.
- In vivo: Studies that are performed with living organisms.
- In vitro: Studies that are performed with microorganisms, cells, or biological molecules outside their normal biological context.
Examples
Model organisms have been used in research for many years. Some of the most commonly used model organisms include the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster), the zebrafish (Danio rerio), the mouse (Mus musculus), and the roundworm (Caenorhabditis elegans).
Use in research
Model organisms are used in research for a variety of reasons. They are often easier to manipulate than their human counterparts, both in terms of genetics and in terms of their environment. They also often have shorter lifespans, which allows for studies of effects over a whole lifespan, or across several generations, to be conducted more rapidly than in humans.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Model organism
- Wikipedia's article - Model organism
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