Botrylloides leachi
Encyclopedia
Botrylloides leachi is a colonial
tunicate
of the genus Botrylloides
. Its unique methods of propagation and regeneration make it an ideal model organism
for use in biological study of development, immunology, stem cells, and regeneration.
Colony (biology)
In biology, a colony reference to several individual organisms of the same species living closely together, usually for mutual benefit, such as stronger defense or the ability to attack bigger prey. Some insects live only in colonies...
tunicate
Tunicate
Tunicates, also known as urochordates, are members of the subphylum Tunicata, previously known as Urochordata, a group of underwater saclike filter feeders with incurrent and excurrent siphons that is classified within the phylum Chordata. While most tunicates live on the ocean floor, others such...
of the genus Botrylloides
Botrylloides
The "Chain Sea Squirts or Chain Tunicates" of the genus Botrylloides:Morphologically similar to Botryllus schlosseri and similarly widespread, Botrylloides is distinguished by having linearly-arranged, parallel "chains" of zooids as opposed to zooids like white or yellow stripes emanating from a...
. Its unique methods of propagation and regeneration make it an ideal model organism
Model organism
A model organism is a non-human species that is extensively studied to understand particular biological phenomena, with the expectation that discoveries made in the organism model will provide insight into the workings of other organisms. Model organisms are in vivo models and are widely used to...
for use in biological study of development, immunology, stem cells, and regeneration.