HW - Model Organisms II Flashcards
What are some beneficial features of using C.elegans as a model? (4)
Invertebrate model
1. Small, easy to grow, large number of offspring
2. Asexual and sexual reproduction
3. Ease of cloning genes
4. Ease of HTS
What are some limitations of C.elegans as a model? (3)
1) More distantly related than vertebrate models
2) Simple body plan and brain
3) Limited phenotypic range (cannot study behaviours)
What are some beneficial features of using
D. melanogaster as a model? (4)
Insect model
1. Small, easy to grow, lots of offspring
2. Wild phenotypic range in development
3. Ease of cloning genes
4. Ease of HTS
What are some limitations of the D.melanogaster model? (3)
1) More distantly related than vertebrate models
2) Intermediate complexity of body plans, brain and behaviour
3) No cryopreservation
What are some beneficial features of using D. rerio as a model? (4)
Vertebrate model
- Small, easy to grow, lots of offspring
- No sex chromosomes
- Used for gene cloning
- Used for HTS
What are some limitations of the D.rerio model? (5)
1) More distinclty related than mammalian models
2) Long generation time
3) Expensive
4) Ethical considerations
5) Harder HTS
What are some beneficial features of using M.musculus as a model? (4)
Mammalian model
- Relatively small
- Breeds all year round
- Used in IVF and cloning
- Wide phenotypic range
What are some limitations of the M.musculus model? (6)
1) Size and life difference compared to humans
2) Less complex brain than humans
3) Most expensive model
4) Limited number of offspring
5) Ethical considerations
6) Limited HTS
When was the last common ancestor with humans for all 6 models? How many chromosomes are in each?
E.coli ~ 2.5BYA (1)
S.cerevisae ~ 1.5BYA (16)
C.elegans ~ 900MYA (6)
D.melanogaster ~ 900MYA (4)
D.rerio ~ 450MYA (25)
M.musculus ~90MYA (20)
