# Explain why embryonic stem cells are considered more useful than adult stem cells for treating a wider range of medical conditions.

> Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) — 2.2 Cell differentiation, growth and stem cells · Explain · 4 marks

> Scientists are researching the use of stem cells to treat diseases in which certain specialised cell types have been damaged or destroyed.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any cell type (are pluripotent / unspecialised)
2. Adult stem cells can only differentiate into a limited range of cell types
3. Therefore embryonic stem cells could be used to replace / repair a greater variety of damaged or specialised cells
4. Cell differentiation is the process by which an undifferentiated cell becomes specialised for its function, and embryonic stem cells retain the full ability to undergo this process into any cell type

## 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 Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0)](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-fda5b555) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.