# Stem cells are used in medicine to treat a range of diseases. Describe what stem cells are and evaluate the use of stem cell therapy as a medical treatment.

> WJEC A-Level Biology (Wales) — 1.6 Cell division · Evaluate · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Stem cells are unspecialised cells that retain the ability to differentiate into many / different types of cell
2. Benefit: stem cells are not rejected (unlike donor organs) / do not need to be matched to the patient
3. Benefit: can treat a large variety / range of different diseases / repair damaged tissues
4. Risk: stem cell therapy is new so long-term risks are unknown / no guarantee the treatment will work / side effects such as rashes, infections or bleeding
5. Ethical issue: embryonic stem cells must be harvested from embryos, which are destroyed in the process

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Biology (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Evaluate" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/stem-cells-are-used-in-medicine-f656965b) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.