Why are mice needed? - briefly
Mice provide a reliable biological model for investigating genetics, disease pathways, and therapeutic effects. Their rapid reproduction, genetic resemblance to humans, and low maintenance costs make them indispensable for biomedical research.
Why are mice needed? - in detail
Mice serve as indispensable tools in scientific investigation because their biological characteristics align closely with those of humans while allowing experimental control. Their short reproductive cycle and large litter size enable rapid generation of statistically robust data sets. Genetic similarity—approximately 85 % of protein‑coding genes are conserved—makes them suitable for modeling hereditary diseases, drug metabolism, and physiological processes.
Researchers exploit several specific advantages:
- Genetic manipulation – techniques such as CRISPR‑Cas9, transgenesis, and knockout strategies produce animals that carry precise mutations, facilitating the study of gene function and disease mechanisms.
- Physiological relevance – organ systems (cardiovascular, nervous, immune) respond to stimuli in ways comparable to human biology, allowing translation of findings from bench to clinic.
- Pharmacological testing – mice provide a manageable platform for assessing efficacy, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics of new compounds before human trials.
- Behavioral assays – established paradigms evaluate cognition, anxiety, pain perception, and social interaction, offering insight into neurological and psychiatric conditions.
- Cost efficiency – housing, feeding, and maintenance expenses are far lower than those for larger mammals, permitting large‑scale studies without prohibitive budgets.
The cumulative effect of these attributes accelerates discovery, reduces reliance on less predictive models, and supports regulatory requirements for pre‑clinical validation. Consequently, the use of mice remains a cornerstone of biomedical research, underpinning progress in disease understanding, therapeutic development, and safety assessment.