6 September, 2006

Chapter 21

Methods: Model Systems I

Model Systems• Phage / Virus: DNA replication, Recombination, Regulation

• Bacteria: Minimal Cell

• S. cerevisiae: Minimal Eukaryote

• C. elegans: Development

• Drosophila: Genetics

• Mouse: Mammal

Overview• Saccharomyces cerevisiae makes an excellent model system for studying

eukaryotic processes, including the cell cycle.

• S. cerevisiae is genetically tractable, and is readily cultured.

• Caenorhabitis elegans is an ideal model system for studying development.

• C. elegans is easy to grow both sexually and asexually, has a defined number of cells, and many genetic tools.

• Drosophila melanogaster is well characterized genetically, easy to grow, and is long-standing model system.

• Mus musculus is a mammal whose development and stem cells are similar to humans, and has a relatively rapid life cycle.

S. cerevisiaeBread, beer, and the cell cycle.

C. elegans

C. elegansDefined cell lineages are useful in studying cell death and tissue induction.

Drosophila has a rapid life cycle.

The first genetic maps were constructed in Drosophila. The fly is also useful in studying development.

Genetic mosaics permit the analysis of lethal mutations.

P-element transposition can create transgenic flies.

P-element Transformation

Mouse Development