In biology or medical field, lot of research work is carried out and taking a ‘model organism’ is quite crucial in that process. A model organism is a non-human species which is used to in laboratory to study extensively about its biological processes, features, response patterns, etc. One such model organism to learn and discover more in the field of ‘plant genetics’ is Arabidopsis thaliana. It is considered as one of the best-suited model organisms among plants, due to its following features:
- Arabidopsis thaliana has comparatively short life cycle (around 6-10 weeks).
- Its small size allows researchers to grow large number of this plant in labs, having good amount of yield and thus helping in genetic screening.
- Its genome size is also relatively small (around 125-135 Mb) which makes it easier for mapping and studying its entire genome.
- It facilitates genetic crossing and mapping as it can self-pollinate as wells as cross pollinate.
- Genetic manipulation in Arabidopsis thaliana is also easier due to above-mentioned characteristics, along with its compliant response to Agrobacterium-mediated transformation.
Image- Arabidopsis thaliana: Model Plant for the Study of Abiotic Stress Responses
In view of above data, it is concluded that model organism such as Arabidopsis thaliana in case of plants, plays key role in understanding related species, their metabolic process, genotypes and phenotypes, applicability, and many other aspects. It serves as the base for high-rise vast study of particular biological system.
It would be great if you enlist some applications of this particular model organism discussed above, or any other- in case of animals and/or plants. Discussion is open here on utilization of model organisms in biological labs.
References:
MBH/PS