But in their simplicity, they still possess basic life functions common to almost every living organism. Cell cycle, neuronal firing, sensation are all characteristics that become very difficult to decipher within the complexity of the target human organism. When examined in the much simpler, much better defined C. elegans, however, amazing results appear. This short life allows fast-moving studies of the genetic nature of parents and their progeny. Second, worms are extremely cheap and easy to take care of, living simply on a bed of bacteria.
Worms can also be frozen and then thawed for later use, an indispensable convenience.
Third, all 959 cells in the worm's clear body have been characterized from development to death, including all 302 neurons. The synaptic connections of each of these neurons have also been determined. No other model organism can provide this. Fourth, the worm's entire genome has recently been fully sequenced, the most complex organism thus far to have this accomplished. In addition, most genes found in C. elegans are highly conserved evolutionarily, meaning that a gene in this tiny, simple worm probably bears a remarkable resemblance to a gene with the same function in a human being.