# A scientist is researching ways to grow replacement skin tissue in the laboratory for patients who have suffered severe burns. Explain why embryonic stem cells could be used to produce skin cells, and suggest one reason why adult stem cells from bone marrow might be less suitable for this purpose.

> Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0) — 2.1 Stem cells and cell potency · Explain · 5 marks

> Severe burns can destroy large areas of skin tissue. Scientists are investigating the use of stem cells to grow replacement skin in the laboratory before transplanting it onto patients.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Embryonic stem cells are unspecialised / undifferentiated
2. Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any cell type (are totipotent/pluripotent / can become skin cells)
3. Cell differentiation produces specialised skin cells from the embryonic stem cells
4. Adult stem cells can only differentiate into a limited range of cell types
5. Therefore bone marrow (adult) stem cells may not be able to differentiate into skin cells / are less likely to produce functional skin tissue

## Key terms

- [embryonic stem cells](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/embryonic-stem-cells)
- [adult stem cells](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/adult-stem-cells)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-scientist-is-researching-ways-to-4d3f68a1) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.