Question

1. Why are zebrafish embryos powerful models to study vertebrate development?

2. What characteristics make zebrafish embryos feasible for the discovery of new drugs? (2 points)

Answer 1

Solution

Zebrafish embryos as powerful models to study vertebrate development

• Zebrafish embryos as powerful models to study vertebrate development because
• Its embryonic development is very fast
• Embryos are relatively large and transparent
• Embryos can be developed in in-vitro conditions
• Various varieties of mutant strains availabe
• Easiness of staining the embryos
• Similar size of embryos during early developmental stages
• Easiness to create homozygous embryo by fusion
• Similar sleeping behavior to mammals
• High genetic homology with human beings

Characteristics of zebrafish embryos that make is feasible for the discovery of new drugs

• High genetic homology with human beings makes it possible to predict human diseases
• Faster development and quicker life cycle under in-vitro conditions makes it more suitable for drug screening processes as compared to traditional in-vivo studies
• Researchers can use Zebra fish model to identity disease causing genes in human beings. Identification of such genes enable researches to develop new drugs or therapeutic agents for humans
• Zebra fish model can be used for examination of rechecking of existing drugs for its new uses
• Zebra fish model can be used for studying the internal drug exposure and the pharmacological effect of a drug
• Higher similarity of Zebra fish in its developmental patterns and genetic constitution with human beings enables researchers to do more accurate pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis to understand the drug action, drug absorption and clearance and its interaction with other drugs