ALAT ALAT Species-Specific Care and Experimental Models Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which species is most commonly used as a model for cardiovascular disease research in US biomedical laboratories?
- Hamster
- Guinea pig
- Mouse
- Rabbit (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Rabbit
Rabbits are frequently used in cardiovascular research due to their lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis susceptibility resembling humans.
Question 2: What is a unique feature of guinea pig nutrition that must be considered in their care?
- They require supplemental iron in their diet
- They cannot synthesize vitamin C and must receive dietary supplementation (Correct answer)
- They need a high-fat diet to maintain body condition
- They require live insects as a protein source
Correct answer: They cannot synthesize vitamin C and must receive dietary supplementation
Guinea pigs, like humans, lack the enzyme to synthesize vitamin C and must receive it through fresh vegetables, supplements, or fortified feed.
Question 3: Which characteristic distinguishes an athymic nude mouse from a standard inbred mouse?
- It lacks a functional immune system due to absence of T cells (Correct answer)
- It is resistant to all known pathogens
- It has an enhanced innate immune response
- It cannot be used in tumor xenograft studies
Correct answer: It lacks a functional immune system due to absence of T cells
Athymic nude mice lack a thymus and therefore lack mature T cells, making them immunodeficient and valuable for xenograft tumor models.
Question 4: What is the normal gestation period for a mouse?
- 14 days
- 19–21 days (Correct answer)
- 28 days
- 63 days
Correct answer: 19–21 days
The gestation period for mice is approximately 19–21 days, making them efficient breeding models in research.
Question 5: In which species is the 'Harderian gland' significant, often producing red-tinged secretion (chromodacryorrhea) when stressed?
- Rabbit
- Rat (Correct answer)
- Dog
- Non-human primate
Correct answer: Rat
Rats have a Harderian gland behind the eye that produces porphyrin-containing secretion; when stressed or ill, red discharge (chromodacryorrhea) appears around eyes and nose.
Question 6: Which of the following is a key behavioral characteristic of rabbits that must be considered when housing them?
- They are obligate social animals and must always be pair-housed
- They can be injured by kicking with their powerful hind legs if improperly handled (Correct answer)
- They are nocturnal and must be housed in complete darkness during the day
- They require daily water submersion for health maintenance
Correct answer: They can be injured by kicking with their powerful hind legs if improperly handled
Rabbits have powerful hind legs and can kick forcefully when frightened, potentially fracturing their own spine or injuring handlers.
ALAT ALAT Species-Specific Care and Experimental Models Questions and Answers 1
Which species is most commonly used as a model for cardiovascular disease research in US biomedical laboratories?