Humans interact with a number of different species on a daily basis, from the grass we mow every week to the animals we keep as pets. We’re all aware of our interactions with these species, but rarely do we discuss our interactions with the invisible world of microscopic life that surrounds us.
Life on the microscopic level is just as, if not more diverse and abundant than that on the macroscopic level. Among the most common of these organisms are nematodes.
The term “nematode” refers to any organism belonging to the phylum Nematoda. They are most notable for the structures of their esophagus and sensory organs. The phylum was titled “Nematoda” after the Greek word “nematos,” meaning thread. This name refers to the long, thread-like shape of nematodes.
These microscopic worms have conquered every continent of our planet. A study done in 2019, which surveyed everywhere, except Antarctica and Greenland, found that there is at least one nematode for every gram of soil. Their population alone makes up four-fifths of all animal life on Earth! Yet these creatures, which live so abundantly around us, are rarely discussed.
To dig deeper into how commonly known nematodes truly are, I took a survey of the students and staff of Technology High School. The survey consisted of two questions: “Have you ever heard of nematodes?” and “Do you know what nematodes are?” Despite the 38.9% of people who had heard of nematodes, only 27.8% actually knew what they were. The number of people who had both heard of and knew about nematodes was astronomically lower than it should be, considering their immense population.
One of the most remarkable and scientifically significant nematode species is C. elegans, short for Caenorhabditis elegans. Though their width of 50 micrometers might seem inconsequential to us, they’ve proven very consequential to scientists throughout history.
In the year 1998, C. elegans was the first multicellular organism to have its genome fully sequenced. This breakthrough is what led to the completion of the Human Genome Project, a project carried out by an international group of scientists looking into our own genetic code.
- elegans has also been used in research for kidney disease and certain tests for cancer. The cancer test which uses C. elegans relies on their attraction to cancerous cells in a urine sample. This test has proven effective at catching 15 different cancers in their early stages. This nematode species provided an incredible example of the role that cilia (small, hairlike structures) play in cystic kidney diseases.
When people think of billions of microscopic roundworms, they often think of parasitic, harmful creatures. Rarely do they imagine things as fantastical as nematodes. These microscopic wonders that surround us have proven time and time again their importance. Whether it be in our gardens, or labs for cancer research, nematodes are everywhere.
