The rise of model protozoa

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• 作者：David Montagnes¹ ; ^{dmontag@liv.ac.uk} ; Emily Roberts² ; Julius Lukeš ; ³ ; Chris Lowe¹
• 关键词：ecology ; model organism ; physiology ; protist ; teaching ; toxins
• 刊名：Trends in Microbiology
• 出版年：2012
• 期刊代码：258_0966842x
• 类别：med
• 出版时间：April, 2012
• 卷：20
• 期：4
• 页码：184-191
• 文件大小：896 K

摘要

It is timely to evaluate the role of protozoa as model organisms given their diversity, abundance and versatility as well as the economic and ethical pressures placed on animal-based experimentation. We first define the term model organism and then examine through examples why protozoa make good models. Our examples reflect major issues including evolution, ecology, population and community biology, disease, the role of organelles, ageing, space travel, toxicity and teaching. We conclude by recognising that although protozoa may in some cases not completely mimic tissue- or whole-animal-level processes, they are extremely flexible and their use should be embraced. Finally, we offer advice on obtaining emergent model protozoa.