Final answer:
Caenorhabditis elegans, or C. elegans, is a transparent nematode that is commonly used in laboratories for studying various cellular phenomena and genetics. Its short life cycle and ease of observation make it an ideal model organism for research.
Step-by-step explanation:
Caenorhabditis elegans, also known as C. elegans, is a transparent nematode that can be easily observed and tracked in laboratory settings. It has about 1,000 cells, making it ideal for studying cellular phenomena such as cell-to-cell interactions, cell division, and apoptosis. The worm's short life cycle of three days from egg to adult also allows for quick identification of developmental consequences of genetic changes. Furthermore, C. elegans is amenable to genetic manipulations, making it valuable for studying genetics as well.