Describe the differences between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (4 marks)
Embryonic stem cells are totipotent/pluripotent and can differentiate into any cell type, whereas adult stem cells are multipotent and can only become a limited range of cells.
Embryonic stem cells are found in embryos; adult stem cells are located in specific tissues or organs of a mature organism.
Using embryonic stem cells raises ethical concerns because it requires destroying an embryo, whereas adult stem cells do not involve such ethical issues.
Adult stem cells taken from the patient are autologous, so they are less likely to be rejected by the immune system.
Embryonic stem cells are found in embryos; adult stem cells are located in specific tissues or organs of a mature organism.
Using embryonic stem cells raises ethical concerns because it requires destroying an embryo, whereas adult stem cells do not involve such ethical issues.
Adult stem cells taken from the patient are autologous, so they are less likely to be rejected by the immune system.
Examiner tips
- Use the terms totipotent/pluripotent and multipotent; mention ethical issue and autologous use; keep each point brief and separate.
- Show clear contrast between embryo vs adult tissue and differentiation potential.
- Mention immune rejection only for adult stem cells.
- Use UK spelling (autologous).
Common mistakes
- Confusing totipotent with pluripotent; writing that adult stem cells can become any cell type; forgetting to mention ethical concerns or immune rejection.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any type of cell (are totipotent/pluripotent), whereas adult stem cells can only differentiate into a limited range of cell types
- Embryonic stem cells are found in embryos, whereas adult stem cells are found in specific tissues/organs of a developed organism
- Using embryonic stem cells raises ethical concerns because it involves destroying an embryo, whereas using adult stem cells does not raise the same ethical issues
- Adult stem cells are less likely to be rejected by the patient's immune system if taken from the patient's own body (self-donation / autologous use)
Key terms in this question
embryonic stem cells · adult stem cells
Related
- All WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Describe" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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