Caenorhabditis elegans

Sydney Brenner was a very important scientist in the field of developmental biology.  In 1963, Brenner began research into a small worm of the species, C. elegans primarily in the area of neuronal development. In 1974, he began research into the molecular and developmental biology of C. elegans, which has since been extensively used as a model organism. It was the first multicellular organism to have its whole genome sequenced, and is the only organism to have its entire connectome completed.  A connectome is a mapping of the wiring of the circuitry of the brain. 

While I do not use C. elegans currently in my research, I do, however, when in face-to-face teaching, use C. elegans in a couple of lab experiences in the lab sections I teach.  It is a beautifully elegant creature from which we have learned a great deal. 

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