Chapter 3.3.6 Forward genetic approaches in the analysis of Caenorhabditis elegans

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This chapter discusses forward genetic approaches in the analysis of Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetic approaches to nervous system development and function in model organisms excel at the identification and analysis of the relevant basic biochemical and cellular mechanisms in vivo. One of the premiere genetic model organisms is the nematode C. elegans, a small free living animal amenable to molecular and genetic techniques. Because of large behavioral repertoire, ease of cultivation in the laboratory, a relatively compact genome, and techniques which have been developed to map, characterize and clone genes, the analysis of the C. elegans nervous system using genetic and molecular techniques yields insights into fundamental mechanisms of nervous system function. In addition, examples are drawn from the analysis of mechanotransduction in both the body and the nose touch neurons two distinct but complementary systems for response to mechanical stimuli.

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