| A model organism is a widely studied non-human species that is easy to maintain and breed in a laboratory setting and has particular experimental benefits. |
Model organisms are non-human species that are kept in laboratories to experiment and understand certain biological processes. Model organisms are used to gain information regarding other species that are difficult to understand. Characteristics of model organisms are:
- Rapid maturity
- Easy manipulation
- Short life span
- Ability to reproduce large number of offsprings
For instance, understanding the course of a particular disease in humans might take a long time. But a model organism has the ability to rapidly develop a disease and it’s symptoms. This helps scientists learn and understand the disease in a short period of time. Therefore, model organisms help in examining the cause of newly formed diseases. Overtime, model organisms have become essential tools in clinical research.
Main Article: The Living Organisms – Overview Of Characteristics Of Living Organisms
Frequently Asked Questions on Model Organism Definition
Define model organisms.
Model organisms are defined as non-human species that are studied to understand biological processes.
What are the kinds of model organisms?
Genetic model organisms, experimental model organisms and genomic model organisms are the three kinds of model organisms.
Further Reading:
- Genetically Modified Organisms – An Overview and its Applications
- Transgenic Animals – Methods, Examples and Applications
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