MODEL SYSTEM

what is an animal model

non human species - mimic aspects of biological process or ds found in humans 

why are animals used in research

anatomical and physiological similarities 

similar cell, molecule, genetic function

can be manipulated to develop human ds

what are advantages of using animal models for research

cheap and easy to maintain - low maintenance 

easy to obtain, breed

easy to scale up - large qty

short life cycle 

obtain homogenous animal - less variability genetically, environmentally 

what are disadvantages of using animal models for research

human system more complex

human environment more complex, animal more controlled and pure

human heterogenous - different age habits habitat behavior ethnic gender, animal homogenous - same 

some ds or behaviors cannot be replicated in animal - memory 

define animals

multicellular org 

move voluntarily

actively acquire food and digest internally 

have sensory and NS - respond rapidly to stimuli

research using animals

animal testing - pharmaceutical test, safety, toxicity, pharmacology 

animal modeling - representation of human biology - animal as alternative 

application 

to understand the basics of human biology

to develop new technologies, techniques and therapies

to understand ds - COVID 19 - facemask effectiveness, how it affects sense of smell, virus amount to cause ds, effects of mutation on infection, develop drugs