Why is C. elegans Studied?

Summary: C. elegans shares key biological commonalities with more advanced organisms such as human beings. Due to these key similarities, along with its ease of manipulation, C. elegans has been deployed as a model experimental organism to help us understand fundamental biological phenomena such as how a cell divides.

C. elegans: the Worm

Let's first look at this organism - C. elegans.

reasons to study C. elegans

So, why do scientists study this tiny worm?

Here are some of the reasons/advantages to research this organism.

C. elegans as model organism

Organisms like C. elegans are known as "model organisms"^G because they can be used to closely study and elucidate our understanding of basic biological phenomena that might not be easily researched in other organisms.

C. elegans was first selected by Sydney Brenner for study

Its properties as model experimental organism

Commonly used model organisms

As you might guess, there are various model organisms used to study different biological phenomena. For instance, prokaryotic model organisms (e.g. E. coli) are useful for understanding other prokaryotic organisms^G (e.g. bacteria) that are often valuable in human disease research. Listed are some commonly used model organisms.

Model organisms in Teaching

Characteristics of model organisms

Why certain living organisms been chosen as model organisms in teaching

Advantages of using model organisms in teaching

Examples of model organisms popular in teaching

Award received by C. elegans:
Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2002

Acknowledging the completion of C. elegans cell lineage^G and accompanying research in cell death, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2002 was awarded to three C. elegans researchers that contributed to the “understanding of genetic regulation of organ development and programmed cell death” (Press Release, The 2002 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine).

Glossary:

Cell Lineage: a pedigree of cells related through division that enable one to trace a cell’s predecessors and progeny.

Model Organism: organisms used to closely study and elucidate our understanding of basic biological phenomena that might not be easily researched in advanced organisms. In general, they possess characteristics such as small size, short life span and ease of cultivation.

Prokaryote: class of organisms, including the eubacteria and archaea, that lack a true membrane-limited nucleus and other organelles. (Molecular Cell Biology/Harvey Lodish [et al.] - 4th)