# Stem cells can be obtained from bone marrow and used to treat certain blood disorders. Explain how a bone marrow transplant could restore normal blood cell production in a patient whose bone marrow has been destroyed by disease.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 2.2.2 Stem cells · Explain · 4 marks

> Bone marrow contains stem cells that continuously produce blood cells throughout a person's life. In some diseases, the patient's bone marrow is destroyed, meaning they can no longer produce blood cells normally.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Bone marrow stem cells are adult stem cells / stem cells from a donor are transplanted into the patient
2. The transplanted stem cells can divide (by mitosis) to produce more stem cells / self-renew
3. The stem cells differentiate into the different types of blood cell needed
4. This restores normal blood cell production because the new stem cells carry out the role of the destroyed bone marrow

## Key terms

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

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/stem-cells-can-be-obtained-from-a5b68a7d) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.