Genetic Model Organisms

Model organisms are non-human species used for studying biological processes in laboratories. They are selected based on advantageous properties such as easy culture and large cellular structures. Genetic modelGenetic model organisms have additional properties such as efficient mating, mutagenesis, and fecundity. All model organisms have advantages and limitations. Choosing the most appropriate organism is critical in studying specific biological questions. This chapter compares a few widely studied eukaryotic genetic models. We will begin with a brief introduction to fungal microorganisms like yeast as unicellular eukaryotic models. Next, we will discuss C. elegans as an excellent invertebrate genetic model that allows a systematic analysis of cellular events, including cell fatecell fate specification and programmed cell deathprogrammed cell death. Zebrafish is an invaluable vertebrate genetic model. We will discuss genetic and gynogeneticgynogenetic methods for the genetic analysis of various biological issues in fish. Lastly, the mouse lemurmouse lemur will be introduced as a primate model. The natural population of mouse lemurs accumulates abundant spontaneous mutations. We will discuss the potential use of lemurs as a primate genetic model. Drosophila and mice are crucial genetic models and will be discussed in later chapters.