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Context:

During his Nobel prize speech, Gary Ruvkun highlighted the significance of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans in his scientific discovery.

Caenorhabditis elegans

*About*	They are living transparent nematodes of size approx. 1 mm in length.
*Biological Characteristics*	They are Unsegmented pseudocoelomates. Pseudocoelomates have a fluid-filled body cavity which separates the gut from the body wall but it is not lined by mesoderm. They lack respiratory or circulatory systems.
*Habitat*	They normally live in soil.
*Reproduction*	They are primarily hermaphroditic. As Hermaphroditic animals, they have both male and female reproductive organs. However, some males have specialised mating tails.
*Connectome*	It was the first organism to complete its connectome in 2019. Connectome is the comprehensive map of the brain's neural connectivity to better understand the structural and functional relationship of the brain.
*Significance for Research*	Simple and Manageable C. elegans has only 959 cells and serves as a manageable model organism. Tracking developmental stages is also easy due to its transparency and short lifecycle. Genomic Significance C. elegans was the first genome-sequenced animal in 1998. Much research on the species and availability of genome sequences gives it an advantage over other model organisms like flies and mice. Reproductive Efficiency The worm has the ability to self-fertilise. Its low maintenance requirements. This makes it an ideal subject for research as it is both cost-effective and easy to handle.

Nematodes

About

The nematodes are roundworms or eelworms of the phylum Nematoda.

They inhabit a broad range of environments.

Most species are free-living and feed on microorganisms but many species are also parasitic.

The parasitic worms called helminths cause soil-transmitted helminthiases.

Characteristics

Their body is bilaterally symmetrical and the head is radially symmetrical.

The mouth has three or six lips with a series of teeth on their inner edges.

An adhesive gland called the caudal gland is often found at the tip of the tail.

Examples:

Roundworms, hookworms, and heartworms belong to the phylum Nematoda.

Important articles for reference

2024 NOBEL PRIZE IN MEDICINE

Sources:

INDIAN EXPRESS

WIKIPEDIA

BRITANNICA

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements about the “Caenorhabditis elegans” recently seen in the news:

They are living transparent nematodes.
They have an unsegmented body.
They have a short lifecycle which makes them easy to track and manage.

Which of the above statements are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1, 2 and 3 only

D. None

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct:

They are living transparent nematodes of size approx. 1 mm in length.

Statement 2 is correct:

They are Unsegmented pseudocoelomates.

Pseudocoelomates have a fluid-filled body cavity which separates the gut from the body wall but it is not lined by mesoderm.

They lack respiratory or circulatory systems.

Statement 3 is correct:

C. elegans have only 959 cells, and serve as a manageable model organism.

Tracking developmental stages is also easy due to its transparency and short lifecycle.

C. elegans was the first genome sequenced animal in 1998.

Much research on the species and availability of genome sequences gives it an advantage over other model organisms like flies and mice.

CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS