HW - Model Orgasnisms I

Question 1

What are Model Organisms?

Answer 1

Non-human species that are extensively studied in order to understand a range of biological phenomena

Question 2

What are the main 3 aspects of modelling human disease?

Answer 2

1. Understand underlying biological processes
2. Develop/validate diagnostic markers
3. Develop/validate treatments

Question 3

What are the 6 featured model organims?

Answer 3

1. Escherichia coli- gramnegative gut bacteria
2. Saccharomyces cerevisiae- budding yeast
3. Caenorrhabditis elegans- roundworm
4. Drosophila melanogaster- fruit fly
5. Danio rerio- zebrafish
6. Mus musculus- mouse

Question 4

What are some beneficial features of E.coli? (4)

Answer 4

• Small
• Safe lab strain
• Grows on defined media
• Selectable markers and phenotypes

Question 5

What are 3 ways E.coli is used in pharmacology and biotechnology?

Answer 5

1. Recombinant DNA technology
2. Production of proteins
3. Production of other organic compounds

Question 6

What are some limitations of using E.coli?(2)

Answer 6

1. More distantly related than eukaryotic models (S.cerevisiae)
2. LImited phenotypic range

Question 7

What are some beneficial features of S.cerevisiae?

Answer 7

• Small
• Easy to grow
• Manipulation of mtDNA
• Used in pharmacology and biotechnology
• Used in high-thorougput screening

Question 8

What are limitations of using S.cerevisiae as a model?

Answer 8

1) More distantly related than animal models
2) Limited phenotypic range
3) Unicellular (limited cell signalling)