Abstract
Hydra, a freshwater diploblast, with a simple but defined body plan, an organized nervous system, and the presence of stem cells, is one of the oldest model organisms used in biology. It exhibits many embryonic features even as an adult, a spectacular ability of regeneration, and lack of organismal aging. Hydra can provide insights into how complex animal forms evolved and is waiting to be better utilized in teaching.
Keywords: Hydra, regeneration, pattern formation, model system, teaching tool
Acknowledgements
I am grateful to Vidya Patwardhan and Satyajit Rath for critical reading of the draft manuscript and suggesting changes. I thank Dr Sujata Deshpande, Ms Rohini Londhe, and Mr Ma-hadeo Daware for various inputs. Over the past two decades, my hydra laboratory has been funded by the Departments of Science & Technology (DST) and Biotechnology (DBT), Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Government of India, and MACS-Agharkar Research Institute. Surendra Ghaskadbi is an Emeritus Scientist of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi
Footnotes
Surendra Ghaskadbi is a developmental biologist particularly interested in cell signaling during pattern formation and evolution of developmental mechanisms. Over the past two decades he has reintroduced hydra as a model system for teaching and research in India.
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