# Explain why embryonic stem cells are considered more useful than adult stem cells for treating a wide range of diseases and injuries.

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

> Scientists are researching ways to use stem cells to repair damaged tissues and organs. Two sources of stem cells are embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells, such as those found in bone marrow.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any cell type (totipotent/pluripotent)
2. Adult stem cells can only differentiate into a limited range of cell types
3. Therefore embryonic stem cells could be used to treat a greater variety of diseases / repair more tissue types
4. Embryonic stem cells are found in very early embryos and are unspecialised (have not yet undergone cell differentiation)
5. There is an ethical concern about using embryonic stem cells because it requires the destruction of an embryo, which some consider a potential human life

## 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/explain-why-embryonic-stem-cells-are-5e275c4c) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.