Final answer:
C. elegans, a transparent and simple nematode with about 1,000 cells and a genome of 20,000 genes, is an excellent model for observing various cellular and genetic phenomena. It facilitates the study of cell interactions, development, and reproductive modes in genetic research.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the study of nematodes, particularly the species Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), students can view a range of biological processes due to the nematode's transparency and simple biological structure. As a model organism in genetic and developmental biology, C. elegans allows researchers to observe cellular phenomena easily. For example, scientists can monitor cell-to-cell interactions, cell-fate determinations, cell division, apoptosis, and intracellular transport. With only about 1,000 cells and a genome of 20,000 genes, its developmental processes and cell lineages are well-documented and consistent across individual nematodes, providing an ideal platform for biological studies.
C. elegans, being a hermaphroditic organism, exhibits modes of reproduction that are advantageous for genetic studies. This nematode can reproduce both sexually and through self-fertilization, making it a versatile subject for exploring genetic variations and studying inheritance patterns.