Zebrafish

Context: Recently, researchers, for the first time, have used the body’s own chemistry to develop electrodes in the tissues of zebrafish (a small freshwater fish).

About Zebrafish :

• It is a tropical freshwater fish belonging to the minnow family (Cyprinidae) of the order Cypriniformes.
• Habitat: Native to rivers and streams of South Asia.
• It is a freshwater fish found in tropical and subtropical regions.
• The fish is native to South Asia’s Indo-Gangetic plains, where they are mostly found in the paddy fields and even in stagnant water and streams.
• Features:
  • It is a popular aquarium fish.
  • It is about 4 cm long and has dark-blue and silvery longitudinal stripes.
• IUCN Red List Status: Least concerned.

Significance of Zebrafish:

• Zebrafish have the ability to heal their heart after injury through a regenerative process.
•  If part of their heart is removed, they can grow it back in a matter of weeks.
• Humans cannot regenerate their hearts upon myocardial damage and a person who suffered a heart attack cannot functionally heal the damaged heart muscle, resulting in reduced pumping efficiency.
• Till now, there is no treatment available to restore the damaged heart function in humans.
  • Hence scientists have sought to decode the heart regeneration processes using this model animal.
• In May 2021, it was announced by researchers at the Queen’s University in Belfast, UK that the hibernation form known as induced torpor found in zebrafish will give radio-protective effects, that may be useful for interplanetary voyages
• Replicating hibernation may therefore protect astronauts against the harsh conditions of space flight
• Zebrafish have also been found to regenerate photoreceptor cells and retinal neurons following injury.

 Source: DOWN TO EARTH

Previous Year Questions

Q.1) Consider the following statements: (2020)

1. Genetic changes can be introduced in the cells that produce eggs or sperm of a prospective parent.
2. A person’s genome can be edited before birth at the early embryonic stage.
3. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells can be injected into the embryo of a pig.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 2 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

 Q.2) Which of the following are detritivores? (2021)

1. Earthworms
2. Jellyfish
3. Seahorse
4. Woodlice

Select the correct answer using the code given below

1. 1, 2, and 4 only
2. 2, 3, 4, and 4 only
3. 1, 3, and 5 only
4. 1,2,3,4 and 5