Model Organisms
This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate capstone course at UW-Madison.
What are model organisms?
NIH classifies Model Organisms as a select group of research organisms that serve as a proxy for understanding the biology of humans [1]. Model organisms are useful because many of them have similar pathways and genes as humans, but they are much cheaper to use. Aside from cost, they also reproduce faster, are easier to control, and develop target diseases at a faster rate. Clinical researchers typically always use model organisms before moving on to human clinical trials. Many researchers also find it useful to run parallel experiments in two or more model organisms to understand different biological processes [3].
Using Zebrafish to study Hemolytic effects of G6PD deficiency
I will be using zebrafish as a model organism to study red blood cell hemolysis effects of triggering G6PD deficiency. Zebrafish are ideal model organisms for this project because you are able to see the veins after staining the red blood cells. Furthermore, zebrafish with G6pd deficiency express similar phenotypes to humans when triggered by external oxidizing agents, such as Primaquine. G6pd deficiency causes the following phenotypes in zebrafish: congenital nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia, decreased erythrocytes, abnormal embryonic kidney edema, abnormal pericardium edema
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The Zebrafish Information Network (ZFIN)
The Zebrafish Information Network is a comprehensive database with information about zebrafish phenotypes due to different genetic variants. Scientists can use this resource to advance their own research and gain background information on the genes and biological processes they are interested in [2].