What are the model organisms?
Model organisms tend to be species that have already been widely studied and are used to model human health. The findings from studies using model organisms are used in the basis of many clinical trials for new human drugs. Model organisms tend to have similarities with humans and are easily maintained and bred in labs.
Why use mice to study RASSF1A and prostate cancer?
Firstly when choosing between model organisms, I was immediately restricted to mammals with prostates. Through Pubmed I have found that multiple studies have already been done using mice in the study of prostate cancer and other cancers. This is beneficial as it means some useful data may already be available. Mice are also relatively easy to maintain in labs, while they do not have the fastest life cycle it is relatively quick compared to other mammals.
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