Some people are against the use of embryonic stem cells in medical research. Outline the arguments for and against the use of embryonic stem cells in medical research.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (4 marks)
1. Embryonic stem cells are totipotent/pluripotent and can differentiate into any cell type, making them useful for treating a wide range of diseases.
2. They could replace damaged or diseased tissue or organs, offering potential treatments for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, heart disease or spinal cord injuries.
3. The embryo is destroyed during the process, which some people consider to be the destruction of a potential human life.
4. Transplanted embryonic stem cells may be rejected by the immune system or could divide uncontrollably and form tumours.
2. They could replace damaged or diseased tissue or organs, offering potential treatments for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, heart disease or spinal cord injuries.
3. The embryo is destroyed during the process, which some people consider to be the destruction of a potential human life.
4. Transplanted embryonic stem cells may be rejected by the immune system or could divide uncontrollably and form tumours.
Examiner tips
- Use the word ‘outline’ – give a brief list, not a full essay. Include both pro and con points. Mention the key terms: totipotent/pluripotent, differentiation, destruction of embryo, immune rejection, tumour risk.
Common mistakes
- Writing too many words or giving a long paragraph instead of a concise outline. Forgetting to mention the embryo destruction or tumour risk. Using vague terms like ‘good’ or ‘bad’ instead of specific arguments.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any type of cell (they are totipotent/pluripotent), making them useful for treating a wide range of diseases.
- Stem cells could be used to replace damaged or diseased tissue/organs, offering potential treatments for conditions such as Parkinson's disease, heart disease, or spinal cord injuries.
- The embryo is destroyed during the process, which some people consider to be the destruction of a potential human life.
- There is a risk that transplanted embryonic stem cells could be rejected by the patient's immune system, or could divide uncontrollably and form tumours.
Key terms in this question
Related
- All WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Outline" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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