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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Zebrafish
Why in the News?
A recent research revealed that the Zebrafish (a popular aquarium fish) can regenerate damaged heart muscle within 60 days, a capability absent in humans. The Hmga1 protein plays a key role in this process, offering potential insights for heart repair in mammals.
Discovery of Hmga1’s Role in Zebrafish Heart Regeneration:
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About Zebrafish
- Zebrafish are small freshwater fish measuring 2-3 cm in length.
- It is named for the horizontal blue stripes running along their bodies.
- It is native to South Asia’s Indo-Gangetic plains.
- It is commonly found in paddy fields, stagnant water, and streams.
- It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates.
- It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN due to their widespread distribution and stable population.
Features of Zebrafish
- Zebrafishes are known for their ability to regenerate almost all major organs, including the heart, brain, eyes, and spinal cord.
- This unique trait makes them an important model in developmental biology and disease research.
- They share approximately 70% of their genes with humans.
- Over 80% of human disease-related genes have counterparts in zebrafish, making them valuable for studying genetic disorders.
- They produce hundreds of embryos in a single clutch, enabling large-scale studies.
- They are now preferred over rodent (guinea pigs) models for certain vertebrate development studies.
- Widely used for regenerative biology and drug discovery due to their cost-effectiveness and rapid breeding.
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