Transcript C. elegans
Chapter 21 Methods: Model Systems I 6 September, 2006 Model Systems • Phage / Virus: DNA replication, Recombination, Regulation • Bacteria: Minimal Cell • S. cerevisiae: Minimal Eukaryote • C. elegans: Development • Drosophila: Genetics • Mouse: Mammal Overview • Saccharomyces cerevisiae makes an excellent model system for studying eukaryotic processes, including the cell cycle. • S. cerevisiae is genetically tractable, and is readily cultured. • Caenorhabitis elegans is an ideal model system for studying development. • C. elegans is easy to grow both sexually and asexually, has a defined number of cells, and many genetic tools. • Drosophila melanogaster is well characterized genetically, easy to grow, and is long-standing model system. • Mus musculus is a mammal whose development and stem cells are similar to humans, and has a relatively rapid life cycle. S. cerevisiae Bread, beer, and the cell cycle. C. elegans C. elegans Defined cell lineages are useful in studying cell death and tissue induction. Drosophila has a rapid life cycle. The first genetic maps were constructed in Drosophila. The fly is also useful in studying development. Genetic mosaics permit the analysis of lethal mutations. P-element transposition can create transgenic flies. P-element Transformation Mouse Development