Hydra as a research model

Abstract

Hydra, a member of the Phylum Cnidaria, has emerged as a versatile and valuable model organism for various scientific studies. Its remarkable regenerative capacity and perpetual reproductive capabilities make it an excellent candidate for research in multiple fields. In the realm of environmental studies, Hydra has been extensively utilized to assess the impact of pollutants and toxins on aquatic ecosystems. Its sensitivity to environmental changes and rapid asexual reproduction facilitates toxicity testing, making it an ideal indicator for monitoring environmental health and detecting subtle changes in ecological conditions. This review incorporates the last three decades of studies done on the Hydra model: with reference to toxicological studies.

Keywords:

• Hydra
• model organism
• toxicity
• head activator
• regeneration
• environment

Acknowledgements

The fellowship received from the University Grants Commission, New Delhi to Javeria Fatima (NTA Ref. No.: 211610179057) is thankfully acknowledged. We are also thankful to the Chairperson, Department of Zoology, AMU for providing laboratory facilities. We are also thankful to iStock for providing the images.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The fellowship received from the University Grants Commission, New Delhi to Javeria Fatima (NTA Ref. No.: 211610179057) is thankfully acknowledged.