Model Organisms –

Organisms that are used to learn about common mechanisms in many

organisms.
What is a model organism?

A model organism is an organism which is studied for the purpose of finding common mechanisms
that are prevalent in many organisms. Model organisms are used in place of other organisms due to
certain characteristics, such as ease of study. Some organisms may be hard to study because of
characteristics like tough skin, violent behavior and availability. Model organisms that are easy to
study may be used in place of these organisms. Model organisms also share similar traits to other
organisms.

What is the chromosomal theory of inheritance?

The chromosomal theory of inheritance defines chromosome as carriers of genes. The theory states
that individual genes can be found at specific locations on chromosomes. These locations are called
Locuses. Using this, an allele is a variant of a similar dna sequence. By observing these locuses and
the genes on them during meiosis we are able to prove Mendel’s laws. This theory was initially
discovered by three Scientists, Walter Sutton and Theodor Boveri.

Why are Drosophila used to study inheritance for eye colour?

Drosophila are a species of fruit flies as they are very practical to use as a model organism when
observing the chromosomal theory of inheritance. This is because the Drosophila is cheap, easy and
fast to grow. They are able to be raised in quantities of up to 100 in a bottle with a small amount of
sugary sludge. (Khan Academy 2015). Another advantage of using Drosophila to study eye colour is
that they have a very simple and fast reproductive system. The whole reproduction process of the
drosophila takes between 7 and 14 days. Their larvae is bright white and easy to examine. After 5 -6
days the larvae can increase in weight. Drosophila are used to study eye colour as the eye colour of
the flies are sex linked, meaning it is easy to determine the eye colour of the fly based on the x and y
chromosomes.

Why is it important that an F1 and an F2 generation are obtained when studying drosophila
inheritance.

The f1 generation and F2 generation must be obtained when studying the theory of inheritance as
the F1 generation is heterozygous, this shows the