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Model Organism

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Model Organisms

Model organisms are very important to the scientific community. They are primarily used as a standard for comparison to other organisms. If a model organism is recognized then the organism can be useful for many different fields of research. Rice (Oryza sativa) is a model organism that has been introduced and has several essential attributes. When using a model organisms some qualities that should be chosen are a short life cycle, small adult size that makes it easy to grow in a small space, small genome that is well described genetically, high reproductive outcome, already have a large assembly of mutants, and be able to out cross or be self-fertile. When looking for a model organism consideration has to be taken into account for a few things too. Some of the benefits can become a hindrance. In 2010 a new model organism for studying C4 photosynthesis was suggested, a grass (Setaria viridis), by Brutnell et al.

S. viridis is a C4 photosynthesis plant. Because of the C4 functions, it will be useful to aid in further research, with having its genome sequencing known, in comparison to other organisms that are not C4 plants. By having these qualities it makes it a good model organism. Some of these good attributes include its life cycle length. In short-day growth conditions it can be grown to full maturity in about six weeks. As an adult the plant is relatively short, less than 10 centimeters and takes up very little space about 50 plants can be grown in one flat. It has a small genome of approximately 510 Mb. With a small genome it is relatively easier to map the chromosomes and as a result the plant’s genome is completely sequenced. By knowing the plants genome sequence researchers are able to use transformation techniques that have been highly efficient and stable. Some outcomes of these transformation techniques are to use the C4 traits in rice such as O. sativa. Researchers have also been able to trace back many lineages to help understand the evolution of C4 photosynthesis, which also makes it very useful in transferring these traits into other plants.

O. sativa is a grain that is a staple crop used as a main food source in many developing countries. It is also a plant that makes a good model organism for cereal biology and molecular biology. With many favorable characteristics, the organism’s small genome of approximately 440 Mb has been sequenced. Because this organism has been sequenced, it is a huge resource to researchers. Transformation techniques have been used repeatedly with success. This plant also has many different varieties that are preserved by the International Rice Research Institute. Even though there are several factors that make this a great model organism there are some down falls. Because of this plant’s significantly larger size than a model organism would be, it would take up a greater amount of space requiring more resources to maintain. In addition to this, the organism is a very hard plant to maintain and takes a long time to regenerate.

Sited:

Govind P. Model organisms used in molecular biology or medical research. International Research Journal of Pharmacy. 2011;2(11):62-65.

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