# Scientists are researching the use of stem cells to treat patients with type 1 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are destroyed. Explain how embryonic stem cells could be used to treat this condition.

> WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales) — 2.2.2 Stem cells · Explain · 4 marks

> Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which the body's immune system destroys the specialised cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Researchers believe stem cell therapy could offer a long-term treatment.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Embryonic stem cells are unspecialised / undifferentiated cells
2. Stem cells can differentiate into any type of cell (are totipotent / pluripotent)
3. The stem cells could be directed / induced to differentiate into insulin-producing cells
4. These new insulin-producing cells could be transplanted into the patient to restore normal insulin production

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales)](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/scientists-are-researching-the-use-of-f186ef61) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.