Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which statement accurately reflects the purpose of animal models in biomedical research?

1. They help validate the cultural significance of diseases.

2. They represent normal physiology and can be used for drug testing.

3. They mimic human behavior in a controlled environment.

4. They are used primarily for educational purposes.

The correct answer is: They represent normal physiology and can be used for drug testing.

Animal models play a crucial role in biomedical research by serving as representations of normal physiology, which allows researchers to understand how diseases function and to investigate potential treatments. By using these models, scientists can explore the effects of new drugs in a living system that shares similarities with human biology. This approach helps to ensure that the findings are relevant when transitioning to human trials. The ability to test drugs in a controlled environment with animal subjects provides insights into the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of compounds, which cannot easily be accomplished through in vitro studies alone. Thus, the primary purpose of animal models in this context is to facilitate drug testing and contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge and therapeutic strategies.