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C elegans And Humans
A brief overview on C elegans
• C elegans is a small (about 1 mm long), transparent , free-living nematode.
• Feeds on bacteria
• Non parasitic worm
Anatomy-
TWO SEXES:-
1) A self fertilizing hermaphrodite(XX)2) A male(X0)
LIFE CYCLE
Dauer larva
• Developmentally arrested alternative third stage larva
• Forms in response to high population density (dauer pheromone), high temperature, low food
• Non-feeding, buccal cavity sealed, survive on stored food
• Live for up to 70 days• Non-ageing: post dauer adults have normal
lifespans
C elegans AS MODEL ORGANISM
Why an organism with a life span of 2 weeks vs. an organism with a life span of 70+ years?
• About 70% of human genes have a clear C elegans homologs which includes human disease genes.
• Example- Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Type II diabetes ,Age related problems.
• There are many pathways in C elegans showing similarity with human system.
AGEING PATHWAY
• DRUGS HAVE BEEN FORMULATED TO KNOCKDOWN THE ACTIVITY OF SUCH gene.
• EXAMPLE- rapamycin, but it suppresses the immune system.
Thank you