Drosophila and C. elegans Genetics and Development

Drosophila and C. elegans Genetics and Development focuses on the use of two powerful invertebrate model organisms, the fruit fly (*Drosophila melanogaster*) and the nematode worm (*Caenorhabditis elegans*), to uncover the fundamental genetic principles governing animal development. Due to their rapid life cycles, genetic tractability, and the wealth of available research tools, these organisms have been instrumental in identifying key genes and pathways that control processes such as body plan formation, cell fate determination, organogenesis, and programmed cell death (apoptosis). Research in these simple systems provides profound, conserved insights into the more complex developmental programs and genetic diseases found in vertebrates, including humans.

1. Introduction to Model Organisms in Developmental Genetics
   1. The Concept of a Model Organism
      1. Definition and Purpose
      2. Criteria for Selection
         1. Ease of Laboratory Culture
         2. Short Generation Time
         3. Genetic Tractability
         4. Availability of Genetic Tools
         5. Relevance to Broader Biology
      3. Historical Significance in Genetics Research
   2. Advantages of Invertebrate Models
      1. Short Generation Times
      2. Large Brood Sizes
      3. Genetic Tractability
      4. Reduced Ethical Concerns
      5. Cost-Effectiveness
   3. Drosophila melanogaster as a Model System
      1. Historical Overview
         1. Thomas Hunt Morgan's Contributions
         2. Alfred Sturtevant's Genetic Mapping
      2. Key Discoveries
         1. Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance
         2. Sex-Linked Traits
         3. Homeotic Genes
         4. Genetic Mosaics
   4. Caenorhabditis elegans as a Model System
      1. Historical Overview
         1. Sydney Brenner's Introduction
         2. John Sulston's Cell Lineage Mapping
         3. Robert Horvitz's Apoptosis Research
      2. Key Discoveries
         1. Invariant Cell Lineage
         2. Programmed Cell Death Mechanisms
         3. RNA Interference
         4. Neural Development Insights