MODEL ORGANISM Meaning and
Definition
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A model organism refers to a species or organism that is selected and widely used in scientific research to study biological processes and phenomena. These organisms are chosen due to their ability to represent or mimic particular aspects of other living organisms or entire ecosystems or to possess specific traits that make them ideal for scientific experiments. Model organisms are highly valuable as they enable scientists to investigate and understand complex biological processes that are difficult or impossible to study directly in humans or other organisms.
These organisms can range from simple organisms, such as bacteria, yeast, or fruit flies, to more complex organisms, including mice, rats, zebrafish, and even certain plant species like Arabidopsis thaliana. Model organisms have well-characterized genetic or physiological traits, relatively short life cycles, and efficient reproduction rates.
Their genomes are often fully sequenced, making them excellent tools for genetic studies. The use of model organisms allows researchers to control and manipulate certain variables, isolate specific genes, and observe the effects of these modifications on the organism's development, behavior, or overall function.
By studying model organisms, scientists can gain insights into fundamental biological processes, investigate disease mechanisms, test hypotheses, and develop potential treatments or interventions for human health conditions. Additionally, findings from model organisms can be extrapolated to understand more about other organisms' biology, including humans, due to the high degree of conservation and similarities in key biological pathways and mechanisms across different species.
Etymology of MODEL ORGANISM
The word "model organism" is derived from two different sources.
The term "model" comes from the Latin word "modellus", which means "a small copy" or "a small measure". It was later borrowed into Middle French as "modelle" and then into English as "model". In the context of science, a model refers to a simplified representation of a complex system that helps scientists understand or predict its behavior.
The term "organism" comes from the Greek word "organismos", which means "a living being" or "a system". It was derived from the Greek word "organon", which means "an instrument" or "a tool". In biology, an organism refers to any individual living entity capable of carrying out fundamental life processes.
Therefore, when combined, the term "model organism" refers to a simplified living entity or system that is used as a representative or tool for scientific research.
