Question

A nonscientist friend of yours asks how findings in a worm or fly can be relevant to human biology. Explain to your friend the importance of model organisms in molecular biology research.

Answer 1

Model organism have immense importance in biological research. These are non-human models which are extensively studied. They are used to understand any biological phenomenon and helps us to study them extensively. Their generation time usually is usually less , so conducting experiments through many generations are possible. Although sometimes model organisms used are phylogenetically distant to humans, basic genetical transmission and biochemical reactions are same in most of the cases. They can be easily handled in laboratory and genetic manipulation is feasible in them. The effects of any novel compound or drugs are initially tested on model organisms to avoid any undesirable effects on humans. Many disease models are prepared by gene knock out or deliberate mutagenesis and the effect of drugs are tested on them. There is gradation of model organisms and although a test began with non advanced animals like worms or insects, it gradually advances and ultimately a novel drug is often applied to human's genetically close animals such Chimpanzee before final administration of the drugs to the human body. If model organisms respond positively, it is expected that the chemical will not have any drastic effect on humans.

Although some ethical issues regarding use of animals for the benefit of human should also be considered.