an unspecialised cell that can become specialised. It can divide and differentiate into other cell types.

What is differentiation?

cells becoming specialised. A blank cell takes on the shape and job of one type of cell.

Where are adult stem cells found?

bone marrow. Bone marrow stem cells make new blood cells.

Which stem cells can become any type of cell?

embryonic stem cells. Adult stem cells are more limited.

Why do some people object to using embryonic stem cells?

An embryo is destroyed to obtain them. This is an ethical objection.

Stem cells · Edexcel IGCSE Biology 4BI1 revision

In plain words

Every one of your cells came from a single fertilised egg. Early on, the cells are blank: they can turn into any type. These are stem cells. As an embryo grows they specialise into muscle, nerve, skin and the rest, and most then lose the ability to become anything else.

Three things to know

A stem cell is an unspecialised cell that can divide and give rise to specialised cells. Becoming specialised is called differentiation.
Embryonic stem cells can become any type of cell. Adult stem cells (in bone marrow, for example) can only become a few types.
Stem cells could be used to replace damaged cells, to treat diabetes or paralysis. Drawbacks: the body may reject them, and using embryos raises ethical objections.

Tips and tricks

For "evaluate" questions give both sides: a medical benefit, and a risk or an ethical concern.
Bone marrow transplants are stem cell treatment that is already routine: they replace blood-making cells.

5 questions, about 2 minutes.

It lands in your notebook with its questions as flashcards.

Stem cells: 5 questions and answers

These are the quiz’s questions. Do the quiz first, then come back here for the ones that got you.

What is a stem cell?
- a cell in a plant stem only
- an unspecialised cell that can become specialised (the answer)
- a dead cell
- a cell with no nucleus
It can divide and differentiate into other cell types.
What is differentiation?
- cells dividing
- cells dying
- cells becoming specialised (the answer)
- cells growing larger
A blank cell takes on the shape and job of one type of cell.
Where are adult stem cells found?
- hair
- bone marrow (the answer)
- red blood cells
- tooth enamel
Bone marrow stem cells make new blood cells.
Which stem cells can become any type of cell?
- embryonic stem cells (the answer)
- adult stem cells
- red blood cells
- nerve cells
Adult stem cells are more limited.
Why do some people object to using embryonic stem cells?
- They are too small.
- An embryo is destroyed to obtain them. (the answer)
- They cannot divide.
- They are cheap.
This is an ethical objection.

5 questions

Tap an answer and you’ll see straight away whether it’s right, and why.

Worksheet

3 questions, 6 marks. Write your answers on paper, then check them.

Stem cells

Edexcel International GCSE Biology 4BI1 · 6 marks · papermunch.org

Name ______________________________ Date ______________

State what is meant by a stem cell.[2]
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An unspecialised cell that can divide and differentiate into specialised cells.
I got this one
Give one difference between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells.[2]
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Embryonic stem cells can become any type of cell; adult stem cells can only become a limited range of cell types.
I got this one
Give one advantage and one disadvantage of using embryonic stem cells in medicine.[2]
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Advantage: they could replace damaged or diseased cells (they can become any cell type). Disadvantage: an embryo is destroyed, which some people object to; or the cells may be rejected.
I got this one

Answers: Stem cells

1. An unspecialised cell that can divide and differentiate into specialised cells.
2. Embryonic stem cells can become any type of cell; adult stem cells can only become a limited range of cell types.
3. Advantage: they could replace damaged or diseased cells (they can become any cell type). Disadvantage: an embryo is destroyed, which some people object to; or the cells may be rejected.