Caenorhabditis elegans

Definition

Caenorhabditis elegans is a small, transparent nematode (roundworm) that is widely used as a model organism in biological research. This organism has become essential in studies related to genetics, development, neurobiology, and aging due to its simple anatomy, well-mapped genome, and short lifespan. Its status as a key representative of the phylum Nematoda within the superphylum Ecdysozoa highlights important features like ecdysis and morphological traits shared with other ecdysozoans.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Caenorhabditis elegans has a lifespan of about 2-3 weeks, making it ideal for studying aging and development in real-time.
2. This nematode has exactly 959 somatic cells in the adult hermaphrodite, which have been fully mapped, providing insight into cell lineage and development.
3. C. elegans is a hermaphrodite but can also reproduce through male individuals, allowing for genetic studies involving sexual reproduction.
4. The genome of Caenorhabditis elegans was the first of any multicellular organism to be completely sequenced in 1998, which has greatly contributed to molecular biology.
5. Research using C. elegans has led to significant discoveries related to programmed cell death (apoptosis), neural function, and muscle contraction.

Review Questions

• How does the genetic simplicity of Caenorhabditis elegans facilitate its use as a model organism in biological research?
  • The genetic simplicity of Caenorhabditis elegans makes it an ideal model organism because it has a small number of genes that are easily manipulated. With its fully sequenced genome, researchers can perform targeted genetic studies, allowing them to investigate gene function and interactions in an efficient manner. This streamlined genetic makeup enables scientists to draw parallels between findings in C. elegans and more complex organisms, contributing to our understanding of fundamental biological processes.
• What role does ecdysis play in the life cycle of Caenorhabditis elegans and how does this relate to its classification within the superphylum Ecdysozoa?
  • Ecdysis is crucial for Caenorhabditis elegans as it sheds its cuticle at various stages of its life cycle to accommodate growth. This process is a characteristic feature shared among members of the superphylum Ecdysozoa, which includes both nematodes and arthropods. Understanding ecdysis in C. elegans provides insights into developmental processes that are fundamental across ecdysozoan species, highlighting evolutionary connections between different groups.
• Evaluate the impact of Caenorhabditis elegans research on our understanding of human biology and disease mechanisms.
  • Research on Caenorhabditis elegans has significantly advanced our understanding of human biology and disease mechanisms by uncovering fundamental cellular processes like apoptosis, muscle contraction, and neural signaling. The similarities between the molecular pathways in C. elegans and humans allow scientists to use this nematode as a platform for studying diseases such as neurodegeneration and cancer. By identifying how specific genes affect development and function in C. elegans, researchers can develop therapeutic strategies that may translate to human health outcomes.

Related terms

Nematoda: A phylum of roundworms characterized by their long, cylindrical bodies and complete digestive systems, including Caenorhabditis elegans as a prominent member.

Ecdysis: The process of shedding the outer cuticle or exoskeleton that occurs in arthropods and nematodes, including Caenorhabditis elegans during its growth stages.

Model Organism: A non-human species that is extensively studied to understand biological processes and develop new scientific principles, with Caenorhabditis elegans being one of the most used in molecular and developmental biology.