Why are zebrafish used in research?
Zebrafish embryos are nearly transparent which allows researchers to easily examine the development of internal structures. Zebrafish have a similar genetic structure to humans. They share 70 per cent of genes with us. 84 per cent of genes known to be associated with human disease have a zebrafish counterpart.
How do the zebrafish cells divide?
As students come to understand the role mitosis plays in development, they will be confronted with the idea that all the cells in the zebrafish must have the same DNA. In multicellular organisms individual cells grow and then divide via a process called mitosis, thereby allowing the organism to grow.
What are 3 reasons that zebrafish make a good model organism?
Five reasons why zebrafish make excellent research models
- Genetic similarity to humans.
- Easier to house and care for than rodents.
- Impact of any genetic mutation or drug treatment is easy to see.
- Lots of offspring.
- Easier to introduce genetic changes.
What is dissection of fish?
It aims to help students become familiar with the internal organs of a fish. The dissection consists of three parts: an external examination, the internal organs, and the mouth and gills.
How does the zebrafish develop from one cell to the many cells that make up the larva?
Zebrafish develop rapidly from a one-cell zygote that sits on top of a large yolk cell. Gastrulation begins approximately 6 h post fertilization, hatching at 2 days as a free-swimming larvae. Zebrafish reach sexual maturity around 3 months of age and can live for up to 5 years.
How are cell growth and division related?
Cell growth refers to the increase in cell size (mass accumulation) while cell division describes the division of a mother cell into two daughter cells (1->2->4->8, etc.). Both cell division and growth are tightly linked to the cell cycle and its regulation.
Why zebrafish are better than mice?
While mice are evolutionarily more similar to humans because they are mammals, zebrafish have several advantages over their furry competitors. One important advantage of zebrafish is that the adults are small and prefer to be housed in large groups, or “shoals”. Working with mice in this way is much more complicated.
How do you dissect a fish?
- Step 1: Which Fish Do You Wish? For dissections with a class, often you’re looking for a medium sized fish that isn’t too expensive.
- Step 2: Finding Fins.
- Step 3: Color, Scales, and the Lateral Line.
- Step 4: The Head.
- Step 5: Making the Cuts.
- Step 6: Digestive System.
- Step 7: Heart and Liver.
- Step 8: Swim Bladder.