Introduction
Model organisms are non-human species used in research to better understand various aspects of biology. [7] There are many considerations to think about when choosing a model organism, as certain species are more adept models for certain areas. For example, mice are very popular models for cancer studies and studying ageing, while flies are a good model for brain injury studies. [8] Cost is another large factor to consider when deciding which model organism to choose.
A homolog is a gene shared by many organisms that is derived from the organism's common ancestor. If a study design focuses on a particular gene of interest, then the model organism used in that study should have a homolog of that gene of interest. In this way, it can provide useful information about what the purpose of the gene of interest might be in humans.
A homolog is a gene shared by many organisms that is derived from the organism's common ancestor. If a study design focuses on a particular gene of interest, then the model organism used in that study should have a homolog of that gene of interest. In this way, it can provide useful information about what the purpose of the gene of interest might be in humans.
Results
Homo sapiens (Human)
Accession code (noggin): NP_005441.1 |
Mus musculus (Mouse)
Accession code (noggin): NP_032737.1 |
Xenopus laevis (African clawed frog)
Accession code (noggin-2 L): NP_001089025.1 Accession code (noggin-4 S): NP_001089147.1 |
Discussion
NOG is well conserved in vertebrates. This makes sense, as NOG's main function is to help control bone development. It would be surprising to find a NOG homolog in organisms that do not have a skeleton. Given this, I can conclude that a low-cost vertebrate would be an ideal model for noggin function.
References
[1] https://www.lampire.com/taxonomy/term/67
[2] https://www.pestec.com/house-mouse-ipm-plan
[3] https://www.ecoguardpestmanagement.com/pest-resources/how-long-do-rats-live
[4] https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/could-tiny-zebrafish-teach-us-cure-blindness-180962626/
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_clawed_frog
[6] https://phys.org/news/2010-04-scientists-genome-sequence-frog.html
[7] https://www.yourgenome.org/theme/what-are-model-organisms/
[8] https://biology.ucdavis.edu/research/model-organisms
[2] https://www.pestec.com/house-mouse-ipm-plan
[3] https://www.ecoguardpestmanagement.com/pest-resources/how-long-do-rats-live
[4] https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/could-tiny-zebrafish-teach-us-cure-blindness-180962626/
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_clawed_frog
[6] https://phys.org/news/2010-04-scientists-genome-sequence-frog.html
[7] https://www.yourgenome.org/theme/what-are-model-organisms/
[8] https://biology.ucdavis.edu/research/model-organisms