"Model" - what is it, definition of the term
«Model» – a structured abstraction that reproduces specific physiological or pathological characteristics of organisms, commonly employing rats or mice to enable controlled study of mechanisms, drug responses, or genetic alterations, thereby providing reproducible data that can be extrapolated to broader biological contexts.
Detailed information
The term refers to a systematic representation that employs rats and mice to simulate biological processes, disease mechanisms, or therapeutic interventions. Such representations enable controlled experimentation while preserving physiological relevance to human conditions.
Key categories of these representations include:
- Genetic constructs that introduce, delete, or modify specific genes to mimic hereditary disorders.
- Disease simulations that reproduce pathological states such as cancer, diabetes, or neurodegeneration.
- Pharmacological platforms that assess drug efficacy, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics under standardized conditions.
- Behavioral frameworks that evaluate cognitive, emotional, or motor functions through defined tasks.
Advantages of employing these rodents stem from their well‑characterized genome, short reproductive cycles, and capacity for high‑throughput studies. Physiological parameters often parallel human responses, facilitating translational insights. Cost efficiency and ease of housing further support extensive experimental designs.
Limitations encompass species‑specific differences that may affect extrapolation to human biology, ethical considerations governing animal use, and variability introduced by environmental factors. Rigorous validation and cross‑species comparison remain essential to mitigate these constraints.