You are here
Model
In biological research, this term can apply to in vitro, in vivo and in silico experiments.
- In vitro models are cell cultures used to isolate a biological phenomenon or explain a specific action mechanism.
- In vivo experiments use living models. These can be unicellular, such as bacteria. However, to study a complete organism with all its cellular interactions, development and metabolism, as well as human diseases and the effects of candidate drugs, researchers use animals adapted to each case, such as fruit flies, mice, rats and zebra fish.
- As for computer models (in silico), they use mathematical calculations to simulate a biological phenomenon or define the configuration of a molecule active on certain proteins and cells.