Models of Study of Cell Biology

Question 1

What are the main model organisms used in biology?

Answer 1

• Yeast
• C. elegans (roundworm)
• Xenopus laevis (South African frog)
• Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly)
• Zebrafish
• Arabidopsis thaliana
• Cell culture systems
• Mus musculus (mouse)

Question 2

Why is yeast an important model organism?

Answer 2

• First eukaryote to have its genome fully sequenced
• Easy genetic manipulation (deletion and overexpression of genes)
• Used to study cell structure, function, and various cellular processes

Question 3

What makes C. elegans a valuable model organism?

Answer 3

• Transparent body allowing observation of all cells
• Fully sequenced genome
• Used to study developmental biology and programmed cell death

Question 4

How is Drosophila melanogaster used in biological research?

Answer 4

• Short generation time and high fecundity
• Used to study genetics and developmental biology
• Contributed to understanding genetic control of early embryonic development

Question 5

What are the advantages of using zebrafish as a model organism?

Answer 5

• Rapid embryonic development
• Transparent embryos for easy observation
• Suitable for large-scale genetic screens

Question 6

Why is Arabidopsis thaliana a popular model organism for plant biology?

Answer 6

• Small sized genome
• Rapid life cycle
• Easily and efficiently transformed

Question 7

Describe the mechanism of RNA interference.

Answer 7

Question 8

How are transgenic mice created?

Answer 8

• A piece of DNA is introduced to the mouse genome
• The DNA contains structural gene of interest, a strong mouse gene promotor, and enhancer to allow the gene to be expressed and vector DNA to enable the trans gene to be inserted into the mouse genome

Question 9

What is an example of a budding yeast?

Answer 9

S. cerevisiae

Question 10

What is an example of a fission yeast?

Answer 10

S. pombe

Question 11

The discovery of which genes were Lee Hartwell, Paul Nurse, and Tim Hunt awarded the 2001 Nobel Prize?

Answer 11

Cell Division Cycle (CDC) genes

Question 12

Which CDC gene controls the transition from G1 phase to S phase of the cell cycle?

Answer 12

CDC28

Question 13

Which gene controls the transition from G2 phase to Mitosis in the cell cycle?

Answer 13

CDC2

Question 14

Over expression of which enzyme in petunias is key for flower pigmentation?

Answer 14

Chalcone Synthase

(Produces LESS pigment - white)

Question 15

What did Andrew Fire and Craig Mello win the 2006 Nobel Prize for?

Answer 15

Discovery of RNA interference gene silencing by double stranded RNA

Question 16

How are cells used for cell culture immortalised?

Answer 16

Infected with viruses or express oncogenes

Question 17

What diseases has CRISPR gene editing been used to cure?

Answer 17

1. Cystic Fibrosis (CFTR) mutations
2. Sickle Cell Anemia
3. Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy