PRINCIPAL MODEL ORGANISMS USED IN CELL BIOLOGY

Cell Biology uses different model organisms, such as animal cells and
tissues in culture, filamentous fungi, the nematode etc.
Make fundamental questions related to signal transduction mechanisms
that regulate cellular differentiation, liver regeneration, or hormonal
responses to external stimuli as well as the role of reactive oxygen
species in different diseases and as regulatory molecules of cell
differentiation.
EXAMPLES
1. NEMATODES: Its commonly known as roundworms because their
body shape in cross section. They are essentially aquatic
organisms, but also thrive in terrestrial environments.
Studies done with the intestinal nematode (Caenorhabditis
elegans)
Development of the body plan
Cell lineage
Formation and function of the nervous system
Control of cell death and cancer genes
Aging
Gene regulation and structure of chromosomes
VIRUS
A virus is a microscopic infectious entity that can only multiply within the
cells of other organisms. Compounds of proteins and nucleic acids (DNA
or RNA) which when outside the cell, behave as crystals and are known
as virion.
2. FAGO T4: T4 phage or bacteriophage T4 is a virus type I DNA that
infects bacteria Escherichia coli. It has an approximate size of 200
nm. The T4 phage belongs to the T group, which also includes the
T2 and T6 enterobacterifagos. The T4 phage has a
lytic life cycle only, and not lysogenic.

Experimentation:
Adsorption and penetration (start immediately).
Abduction of host gene expression (start immediately).
Synthesis of enzymes (starts after 5 minutes).
DNA replication (starts after 10 minutes).
Training virus (starts at 12 minutes).
Studies done with phage T4:
Proteins involved in the synthesis of DNA, RNA and proteins
Gene regulation
Control cancer cell proliferation
Transport of proteins and organelles within cells
Infection and Immunity
Possible path for gene therapy
3. ZEBRAFISH: Are elongated, spindle-shaped fish with a single
dorsal fin, mouth directed upwards and a pair of thin chins are
difficult to see unless the animal is stopped. It is a cyprinid related
to carp and catfish, native to Southeast Asia, often used in
aquariums as well as for scientific research.
Studies done with zebrafish:
Development of body tissues of vertebrates
Formation and function of the brain
Birth defects
Cancer

4. HELA CELLS: Particular kind of immortal cells used in scientific

research. It is the oldest and most commonly used human cell line.
The lineage to which belong these cells derived from a sample of
cervical cancer.
The HeLa lineage has proven particularly durable and prolific, this
has been shown since also contaminate other cell cultures used in
research in the same laboratories.
BACTERIA: Some bacteria can even survive in the extreme conditions
of outer space. It is estimated that can be found around 40 million
bacterial cells in a gram of soil and a million bacterial cells in a milliliter
of fresh water.
5. ESCHERICHIA COLI: is probably the most studied prokaryotic
organism by humans. It is an enterobacteria that is usually found
in animal intestines, and therefore in sewage, but it can be found
everywhere, since it is a ubiquitous organism. This and other
bacteria are necessary for the proper functioning of the digestive
process, and produce vitamin B and K.
Studies done with E. coli:
Proteins involved in metabolism, DNA synthesis, RNA and proteins
Gene regulation
Target for new antibiotics
Cell cycle
Signaling

6. ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA: a genus of herbaceous plants of the

Brassica family, which have been the subject of intense study in

recent times as models for research phytobiological. Arabidopsis

was the first plant whose genome was sequenced in its entirety.

Studies done with Arabidopsis thaliana:

Development and woven pattern
Genetics, Cell Biology
Agricultural applications
Physiology
Gene regulation
Immunity
Infectious diseases

YEAST: various unicellular microscopic fungi that are important for their
ability to perform the decomposition by fermentation of various organic
bodies, especially sugars or carbohydrates, producing different
substances.
7. Saccharomyces cerevisiae: This yeast has the ability to grow
anaerobically making alcoholic fermentation. For this reason it is
used in many industrial fermentation processes, similar to baking
powder, for example in the production of beer, wine, mead, bread,
production of antibiotics, etc.
Studies done with Saccharomyces cerevisiae:
Cell cycle control and cell division
Protein secretion and membrane biogenesis
Cytoskeletal function
Cell differentiation
Aging

Gene regulation and structure of chromosomes