In 1963, Sydney Brenner introduced Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism for pursuing research in developmental biology and neurology.It is a free-living, non-parasitic soil nematode that can be safely used in the laboratory and is common around the world. This ppt gives an idea of general anatomy of this small creature,its life cylce,study as a model organism and its importance in the study of ageing.

1. C elegans And Humans

2. A brief overview on C elegans
• C elegans is a small
(about 1 mm long),
transparent , free-living
nematode.
• Feeds on bacteria
• Non parasitic worm

3. Anatomy-

4. TWO SEXES:-
1) A self fertilizing hermaphrodite(XX)
2) A male(X0)

5. LIFE CYCLE

6. Dauer larva
• Developmentally arrested alternative third stage
larva
• Forms in response to high population density
(dauer pheromone), high temperature, low food
• Non-feeding, buccal cavity sealed, survive on
stored food
• Live for up to 70 days
• Non-ageing: post dauer adults have normal
lifespans

7. C elegans AS MODEL ORGANISM

8. Why an organism with a life span of 2
weeks vs. an organism with a life span
of 70+ years?

9. • About 70% of human genes have a clear C elegans
homologs which includes human disease genes.
• Example- Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease,
Type II diabetes ,Age related problems.
• There are many pathways in C elegans showing
similarity with human system.

10. AGEING PATHWAY

14. • DRUGS HAVE BEEN FORMULATED TO
KNOCKDOWN THE ACTIVITY OF SUCH gene.
• EXAMPLE- rapamycin, but it suppresses the
immune system.

15. Thank you