Experimental Models Flashcards
Why can we use cells that are not human to study how human cells work?
Because all cells have commonalities: they can divide, die, protect against infection
All have the same similar components and originate from a common ancestor
What makes a good experimental model?
Simple genome, short life cycle and easy to keep
How do scientist choose which model to use?
The model you choose is based on the question you are asking. For research it should be not to expensive and quick in answering the question.
How is e coli useful
Bacteria cell; by studying it learned about DNA replication, gene expression and protein synthesis. Simple genome, short life cycle and easy to keep
How is yeast useful
It is the simplest Eukaryote, easy to keep, and short life cycle. Shares characteristics with humans like distinct nucleus, 16 linear chromosomes, and organelles
How is C elegans useful?
Eukaryote and multicellular organism. Small number of genes that are all mapped out. Good to study animal development and cell differentiation. Use mutations to study the development of abnormalities in humans for example.
How is Drosophila useful?
Fruit fly. Easy to maintain and short reproductive life cycle. Good to study molecular mechanisms of development. Has similar genes and mechanisms in humans.
How is Arabidopsis useful?
Simple plant, small genome easy to maintain. Used for methods in molecular genetic manipulation and identifying genes
How is zebra fish useful?
Easy to maintain, produce rapidly - embryo grows outside the mother transparently so good to see the development of it.
How is mice useful?
Many mutations identified, are more applicable to medicine b/c of a similar genome to humans and that mutations in homologous genes result in similar phenotypes compared to humans,
