Model organism

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

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 model organism will provide insight into the workings of other organisms. Model organisms are widely used to research human disease when human experimentation would be unfeasible or unethical.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Model organisms are drawn from all three domains of life, as well as viruses. The most widely researched and best understood model organisms are those that are easy to breed and quick to reproduce, though there are exceptions to these criteria. In cell biology, the most commonly used model organism is Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or Baker's yeast. In genetics, the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) and the house mouse (Mus musculus) are popular model organisms.

Use in Research[edit | edit source]

Model organisms are used in the study of human disease. They are used to understand disease processes and the effect of therapeutic interventions. There are several types of model organisms, including but not limited to, the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster), the zebrafish (Danio rerio), the roundworm (Caenorhabditis elegans), and the house mouse (Mus musculus).

History[edit | edit source]

The concept of a model organism was first proposed by August Weismann. He argued that an organism could serve as a model for understanding the biology of a second organism. Weismann's concept was built upon by Thomas Hunt Morgan. Morgan was the first to use fruit flies as a model organism in genetics and earned a Nobel Prize for his work in 1933.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Model organism Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD