Model organisms
Model Organisms
Model organisms (/ˈmɒdəl ˈɔːrɡənɪzəm/) are non-human species that are 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.
Etymology
The term "model organism" has been used since the 20th century. The word "model" is derived from the Latin 'modulus', meaning 'measure', 'standard', 'pattern', or 'example'. The word "organism" comes from the Greek 'organismos', meaning 'organized being'.
Related Terms
- Genetics: The study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in living organisms.
- Genome: The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.
- Phenotype: The set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.
- Genotype: The part of the genetic makeup of a cell, and therefore of any individual, which determines one of its characteristics (phenotype).
- Biological research: The scientific study of the life processes (mechanisms and behaviour) of plants and animals.
Examples of Model Organisms
- Drosophila melanogaster: A small fruit fly used in genetic research.
- Caenorhabditis elegans: A free-living, transparent nematode, about 1 mm in length.
- Mus musculus: The house mouse is a common model organism in biology.
- Danio rerio: The zebrafish is a tropical freshwater fish belonging to the minnow family.
- Arabidopsis thaliana: A small flowering plant native to Eurasia, commonly used in plant biology.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Model organisms
- Wikipedia's article - Model organisms
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