# Stem cells are found in both embryos and in adult organisms. Explain why stem cells are important in medicine.

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

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Stem cells are unspecialised / undifferentiated cells
2. Stem cells can differentiate into many / different types of cell
3. Stem cells can be used to replace damaged or diseased cells / tissues
4. A named example of a medical use, e.g. treating leukaemia using bone marrow transplant / replacing nerve cells after spinal injury / treating burns using skin cells grown from stem cells

## Key terms

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

## 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/stem-cells-are-found-in-both-a6c20f9b) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.