Model organisms are species that have been thoroughly studied because they have characteristics that fit experimental goals.
What are some preferable traits for model organisms? [1]
Easy to maintain
Able to breed and produce many offspring
Quick development and generation time
Homology to humans
What is a good model organism for studying scoliosis? [2]
Quadrupeds such as mice are not a very good model for scoliosis because they don't have the same type or quantity of pressure on their spine as bipedal humans. However, the zebrafish is a good model organism for studying scoliosis because the cranial-to-caudal pressure from swimming forward through the water is comparable to the downward pressure gravity imposes on humans while exacerbating scoliosis.
Conclusion
The zebrafish is a suitable model for scoliosis because of the similar stress that is put on their spine, and the ptk7 gene is sufficiently conserved between humans and zebrafish. Examination of vertebrae will be easy during the larval stage, and the curved spine phenotype will be easily observable in the adolescent and adult stage fish for measuring length ratios of the body. They also have a preferably quick development and generation time.
References: [1] https://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-are-model-organisms [2] Hayes M, Gao X, Yu LX, Paria N, Henkelman RM, Wise CA, Ciruna B. Nat Commun. 2014 Sep 3;5:4777.
This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate capstone course at UW-Madison.