# 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

## 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

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](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-human-e2e8f97c) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.