Working with Worms: Caenorhabditis elegans as a Model Organism

Abstract

Since its introduction as a laboratory organism 50 years ago, the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans has become one of the most widely used and versatile models for nearly all aspects of biological and genomic research. Many experiments in C. elegans begin with the generation and analysis of mutants that affect a specific biological process, so genetic techniques are the foundation of worm research. Many different aspects of biology are being studied in C. elegans, and three different recent Nobel Prizes have recognized six researchers working with worms. In addition, C. elegans was the first multicellular organism to have its genome sequenced, so many of the standard genomic methods have also been pioneered in C. elegans. In fact, many novel techniques and ideas are initially tested in C. elegans because of its versatility as a research organism. It is also appropriate for introducing undergraduate students to research, and some of its strengths and challenges for this purpose are discussed. © 2019 The Authors.