Final answer:
The model plant used by scientists as mentioned in the question is Arabidopsis thaliana. It is essential for plant biology research and serves as a model for understanding genetic, developmental, and physiological processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The model plant used by scientists mentioned in your question is Arabidopsis thaliana. This organism is widely utilized in the study of plant biology because its entire genome has been sequenced, it has a short life cycle, and it is relatively easy to grow and manipulate genetically. Using Arabidopsis thaliana and other model organisms allows researchers to understand biological processes that can be applied to other species, including humans. Although not an option here, Homo sapiens also serves as a model organism in some contexts. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as yeast, is another model organism that's particularly useful in genetics and recombinant DNA technology due to its eukaryotic cell structure. Lastly, Caenorhabditis elegans, a nematode, is often used in developmental and physiological studies.