Explain why stem cells are important in medicine. In your answer, refer to both embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells.

AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.1.2 Cell division · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can divide and give rise to specialised cells.
Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into almost any human cell type, making them useful for generating tissues for research and therapy.
Adult stem cells, found in tissues such as bone marrow, can also form many cell types and are used to replace damaged or diseased cells.
Therapeutic cloning creates an embryo with the same genes as the patient, so stem cells derived from it are less likely to be rejected by the immune system.

Examiner tips

  • Use the word ‘undifferentiated’ and ‘differentiate’ – these are key terms. Show the two types of stem cells and give one specific benefit of each. Mention therapeutic cloning to link to immune rejection.
  • Keep the answer short – 4 marks, so one sentence per point.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing embryonic with adult stem cells. Omitting the point about immune rejection. Using vague terms like ‘useful’ instead of specific benefits.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can divide / produce specialised cells
  2. Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into most types of human cells
  3. Adult stem cells can form many types of cells / used to replace damaged or diseased cells
  4. Therapeutic cloning produces an embryo with the same genes as the patient so the stem cells are less likely to be rejected

Key terms in this question

stem cell · embryonic stem cell · adult stem cell

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