C. Elegans

Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is a free-living, transparent nematode, about 1 mm in length, that lives in temperate soil environments. It is a model organism widely used in biological research.

Biology

The C. elegans nematode is a multicellular organism that has a simple structure, yet it shares many essential biological characteristics with more complex organisms. It has a fully sequenced genome, which contains approximately 20,000 protein-coding genes. The organism is hermaphroditic, with the ability to self-fertilize or cross-fertilize.

Research

C. elegans has been used in research for over three decades and has contributed to our understanding of many biological processes, including cell division, neural development, and aging. It was the first multicellular organism to have its whole genome sequenced.

Genetics

The genetics of C. elegans is well understood, with many genes identified that are involved in its development and function. The organism has six chromosomes, and its genome has been fully sequenced.

Behavior

C. elegans exhibits a range of behaviors, including chemotaxis, thermotaxis, and mechanosensation. These behaviors are controlled by a small, well-defined nervous system.

Lifespan

The lifespan of C. elegans is short, typically around two to three weeks. This short lifespan, combined with its rapid reproductive cycle, makes it an ideal organism for studying the biology of aging.

See also

• Model organism
• Genome sequencing
• Nematode