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

Eduqas GCSE Biology — 2.2.2 Stem cells · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Stem cells are unspecialised or undifferentiated cells, meaning they have not yet specialised into a particular cell type.
They can divide by mitosis to produce more cells, giving a continuous supply of new cells.
They have the ability to differentiate into many different specialised cell types, such as blood, nerve or muscle cells.
Because of these properties, stem cells could be used in medicine to replace damaged or diseased cells or tissues in patients, for example in treating leukaemia, diabetes or paralysis.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact terms "unspecialised/undifferentiated", "mitosis", "differentiate", and give a clear medical example.
  • Show the logical link: unspecialised → mitosis → differentiation → medical use.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing stem cells with mature cells; not mentioning mitosis; omitting a specific medical condition; using vague phrases like "help heal" instead of "replace damaged cells".

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Stem cells are unspecialised / undifferentiated cells
  2. Stem cells can divide by mitosis (to produce more cells)
  3. Stem cells can differentiate into many different types of specialised cell
  4. Stem cells could be used to replace damaged or diseased cells / tissues in patients (e.g. treating conditions such as leukaemia, diabetes, or paralysis)

Key terms in this question

stem cell

Related

More Stem cells questions

▶ Try answering this question with AI marking (free) →