Why are white mice popular in laboratories? - briefly
White laboratory mice are widely used because their uniform genetics and light coat simplify visual assessment, reduce variability, and align with extensive existing data. Their ease of breeding and fully sequenced genome further enhance experimental reproducibility.
Why are white mice popular in laboratories? - in detail
White laboratory rodents are frequently chosen because their genetic background is well characterized and easily reproducible. The uniform coat color indicates the absence of pigment genes, which simplifies visual assessment of phenotypic changes and reduces variability in experiments that involve skin or ocular measurements.
The strain’s inbred nature provides a stable genome across generations. Researchers can obtain genetically identical individuals, allowing precise comparison of treatment effects without confounding genetic diversity. This consistency accelerates data collection and improves statistical power.
A lack of pigmentation also facilitates surgical procedures and imaging techniques. Transparent skin and eyes enable direct observation of internal structures, reduce the need for invasive markers, and improve the accuracy of optical imaging modalities such as fluorescence microscopy and bioluminescence assays.
Standardized breeding protocols and extensive historical data make these mice readily available from commercial suppliers. Established colonies reduce the time and cost required to develop new animal models, and existing literature provides baseline values for physiological parameters, behavior, and disease susceptibility.
Regulatory frameworks often reference these rodents as reference species. Their widespread use creates a large body of validation studies, simplifying ethical review and compliance with animal welfare guidelines.
Key factors contributing to their prevalence include:
- Genetic uniformity and reproducibility
- Visibility of internal anatomy due to lack of pigment
- Compatibility with imaging and surgical techniques
- Extensive supply chains and documented baseline data
- Alignment with regulatory expectations
Together, these attributes create a reliable, efficient, and cost‑effective model for biomedical research.