Questions: 2) Why are sea stars an important model animal in the stem-cell biomedical field? (0.5pt)
Transcript text: 2) Why are sea stars an important model animal in the stem-cell biomedical field? (0.5pt)
Solution
Sea stars are an important model animal in the stem-cell biomedical field for several reasons:
Regenerative Abilities: Sea stars possess remarkable regenerative capabilities. They can regenerate entire limbs and, in some cases, even their entire bodies from a single arm. This makes them an excellent model for studying the mechanisms of tissue regeneration and stem cell biology.
Stem Cell Research: The regenerative process in sea stars involves the activation and differentiation of stem cells. By studying sea stars, researchers can gain insights into how stem cells are mobilized, how they differentiate into various cell types, and how they contribute to tissue repair and regeneration.
Evolutionary Perspective: Sea stars belong to the phylum Echinodermata, which is closely related to the phylum Chordata (which includes vertebrates). This evolutionary relationship provides a comparative perspective that can help scientists understand the fundamental principles of stem cell biology and regeneration across different species, including humans.
Simpler Systems: Compared to more complex organisms, sea stars have simpler systems that are easier to study and manipulate in a laboratory setting. This simplicity allows for more straightforward experimentation and observation of cellular and molecular processes involved in regeneration.
In summary, sea stars are valuable in the stem-cell biomedical field due to their exceptional regenerative abilities, the insights they provide into stem cell activation and differentiation, their evolutionary relevance, and their relatively simpler biological systems.