How Do You Spell CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS?

1. Caenorhabditis elegans is a microscopic, free-living nematode belonging to the phylum Nematoda. Commonly referred to as C. elegans, it is a model organism extensively used in the field of developmental biology and genetics.

   C. elegans has a slender, tube-like body with a length of approximately one millimeter and possesses a transparent, cylindrical shape. It has a simple anatomy comprising of around 959 somatic cells that are individually identifiable. The organism possesses a complete, though relatively short, life cycle that enables the study of various biological processes, including embryonic development, neuronal development, and aging.

   Its advantages as a model organism include a rapid development time, a small number of cell divisions, and ease of culture in the laboratory. It can exist in either hermaphroditic or male forms, reproducing predominantly through self-fertilization while also undergoing occasional outcrossing.

   C. elegans has a fully sequenced genome, making it further amenable to genetic studies. Its transparent body facilitates direct observation of cells and organs under a microscope, allowing for detailed examination and manipulation of its development and functions. Moreover, it has a well-characterized connectomics, meaning the precise wiring of its neuronal network has been mapped.

   Overall, Caenorhabditis elegans serves as a powerful tool in scientific research, offering insights into numerous biological processes and playing a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of fundamental principles in molecular and cellular biology.

Common Misspellings for CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS

The word Caenorhabditis elegans has its roots in Latin and Greek.

The genus name Caenorhabditis comes from the Latin words caeno- meaning recently, and rhabditis meaning rod-like. The word caeno- was derived from the Greek word kainos meaning new or recent. This name refers to the worm's recent divergence in evolutionary terms.

The species name elegans originates from the Latin word meaning elegant or graceful. It describes the worm's slender and elegant body shape.

So, Caenorhabditis elegans essentially means recently diverged, elegant, and graceful rod-like worm.