# Explain why stem cells are important in the production of specialised cells in the body.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 17.2 Mitosis · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Stem cells are unspecialised
2. Stem cells divide by mitosis
3. Daughter cells produced can become specialised / differentiate into different cell types
4. Once specialised, cells cannot revert to being unspecialised / cannot produce a different cell type

## Key terms

- [stem cells](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/stem-cells)
- [specialised](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/specialised)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610)](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-2c85bd6a) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.