Each model organism has its own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing an appropriate model depends on the question being asked. Many laboratories find it useful to perform parallel experiments in two or more model systems to understand different aspects of a biochemical process.

model organism,model organisms,parallel experiments,model systems,advantages and disadvantages

Related Content

2256. Model systems

  • ID: 2256
  • Source: G2C

15628. Model organisms

Some of the plants, animals, and microorganisms used by researchers as "model" biological systems.

  • ID: 15628
  • Source: DNAi

15566. Model organisms (yeast, bacteria, mouse, fruit fly)

Model organisms such as yeast, bacteria, the mouse and the fruit fly are used by researchers to study biological systems. The genomes of these organisms have been mapped and sequenced.

  • ID: 15566
  • Source: DNAi

1062. What are Model Systems? (1)

Professor David Van Vactor provides a simple explanation for why researchers work with model systems (model organisms).

  • ID: 1062
  • Source: G2C

548. Model Center

Model organisms share with humans many key biochemical and physiological functions that have been conserved (maintained) by evolution.

  • ID: 548
  • Source: G2C

555. Model Organisms

A human is a complicated organism, and it is considered unethical to do many kinds of experiments on human subjects. For these reasons, biologists often use simpler “model” organisms that are easy to keep and manipulate in the laboratory.

  • ID: 555
  • Source: G2C

1263. What are Model Systems? (2)

Professor David Van Vactor explains that model systems are simple organisms that allow us to study and manipulate gene function and development.

  • ID: 1263
  • Source: G2C

1710. Mosquito (Anopheles gambiae)

The mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, has become an important model organism for the study of insect – parasite interactions and innate immune responses.

  • ID: 1710
  • Source: G2C

15886. Lac operon problem

The first model for the control of protein production was the lac operon. This system of feedback and negative regulation is used by bacteria, however, the general principles also apply to higher organisms. Another method of protein regulation involves

  • ID: 15886
  • Source: DNAi

1717. Rat (Rattus norvegicus)

The rat is an ideal research model because scientists have a deep understanding of rat physiological mechanisms. There are numerous rat models that mimic human diseases.

  • ID: 1717
  • Source: G2C