# 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

## 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

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Biology (8461)](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-stem-cells-are-important-2232e667) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.