15 Jun 2026
iGEM Fashion Week: The Model Organisms
Why do scientists keep studying the same organisms over and over again? With millions of species on Earth, why are organisms like E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, yeast, and Arabidopsis thaliana found in so many research labs around the world?In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of model organisms.We break down what makes a model organism useful, how scientists genetically modify different species, and why certain organisms have become essential tools in laboratories worldwide.Topics covered in this episode include:- What model organisms are and why they are important in scientific research- Why Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most widely used bacterial model organism- How heat shock transformation allows scientists to introduce DNA into bacteria- When researchers choose alternatives to E. coli- The unique biology of Bacillus subtilis, including natural competence and sporulation- Why Lactobacillus plantarum is valuable for engineering microbes in food and gut environments- How electroporation works and why salt can make or break a transformation experiment- Agrobacterium-mediated transformation in plants and its role in genetic engineering and CRISPR research- Genetic modification of fungi and yeast, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Rhodotorula toruloides, and Neurospora crassa- Applications of synthetic biology in agriculture, biofuels, biomaterials, and biotechnology- How iGEM safety guidelines influence organism selection and project designYou'll also hear how scientists transform bacteria, fungi, yeast, and plants using techniques such as heat shock transformation, electroporation, lithium acetate transformation, and Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer.Whether you're a student preparing for iGEM, a biotechnology enthusiast, a microbiology student, or simply curious about genetic engineering, this episode provides an accessible introduction to the organisms that have shaped modern biology.This episode concludes our iGEM ABC's: A Biology (Crash) Course series and sets the stage for our upcoming series, Science for All, where we explore science communication, accessibility, and public engagement in STEM.Chapters: (00:00) Intro
(00:33) Model Organisms and E. coli Overview
(01:42) E. coli Heat Shock Transformation Protocol
(04:56) When We Don't Use E. coli
(05:39) B. subtilus and Natural Competence
(07:20) L. plantarum and Electroporation
(09:25) Agrobacterium Mediated Plant Transformations
(11:53) Yeast Transformations
(13:26) Filamentous Fungal Transformations
(14:19) Fruit Fly Transformations
(17:53) ConclusionMUSIC CREDITSAll tracks used under institutional license courtesy of Universal Production Music.00:36 - 01:43 | Fine Sandy Beach | Composer: Maxime Daoud | Publishers: Koka Media & Universal Production Music France01:44 - 03:09 | Nomad’s Journey | Composer: Eric Heber Suffrin | Publishers: Koka Media & Universal Production Music France03:21 - 04:52 | Trekking the World | Composer: Eric Heber Suffrin | Publishers: Koka Media & Universal Production Music France05:03 - 05:40 | Cutie Pie | Composer: Eric Heber Suffrin | Publishers: Koka Media & Universal Production Music France05:55 - 07:21 | The Rhythm Has It | Composer: Carl David Harms | Publisher: BBC Production Music07:25 - 09:27 | Drum Swinger | Composer: Carl David Harms | Publisher: BBC Production Music09:25 - 14:19 | Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 3 in A Major, Op. 69: 2 | Composer: Ludwig Van Beethoven | Publisher: Chappell Recorded Music Library Ltd14:26 - 17:52 | Piano Sonata No.18 in E-Flat Major, Op.31 No.3 “The Hunt”: 2 | Composer: Ludwig Van Beethoven | Publisher: Chappell Recorded Music Library Ltd
