Reader Question

X is most commonly known by the name of its class, although there are more than 1500 varieties that come under this class. X is the most common organism used as a genetic model for studying various human diseases including neurogenerative disorders like Parkinson's, Huntington's and Alzeimer's disease. About 75% of known human disease genes have a recognizable match in the genetic code of X and 50% of its protein sequences have mammalian analogues. Its entire genome was sequenced in 2000 and many people have won Nobel Prize based on research using X as a model. Another reason why it is a preferred model in genetics is that it's easy to breed (the female of the species lays 500 eggs that can develop in 8 days) in a laboratory setting. X is considred as a serious agricultural pest and is the main reason why you can't carry fruits on international flights.

Name X.

(Question submitted by Varsha)