EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Roundworms (nematodes) are bilaterally symmetrical, worm-like organisms that are surrounded by a strong, flexible noncellular layer called a cuticle. Their body plan is simple. The cuticle is secreted by and covers a layer of epidermal cells.

Detailed explanation-2: -Roundworms have a pseudocoelom and hydrostatic skeleton. Their body is covered with tough cuticle. Free-living roundworms are found mainly in freshwater habitats. Parasitic roundworms have a variety of hosts, including humans.

Detailed explanation-3: -Nine hundred and fifty-nine cells make up its entire body, and it’s this simplicity that makes it a valuable model. While nematodes and humans differ in many ways-namely, one doesn’t have a backbone-the genes and molecular pathways underlying both species are very similar.

Detailed explanation-4: -The word “nematode” comes from a Greek word nema that means “thread". The epidermis (skin) of a nematode is highly unusual; it is not composed of cells like other animals, but instead is a mass of cellular material and nuclei without separate membranes.

Detailed explanation-5: -It is milk-white in colour but presents a reddish-yellow shade. Body is elongated, cylindrical, and gradually tapering at both ends. The females are usually 20-25 cm in length and 5 mm in diameter while the males are 15-17 cm in length and 3 mm in diameter.