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The diagram shows new skin tissue produced from stem cells in the skin - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 5
The diagram shows new skin tissue produced from stem cells in the skin. (i) Which part of the blood starts the process of clotting? Put a cross (X) in the box next ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram shows new skin tissue produced from stem cells in the skin - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
State two differences between adult stem cells and skin cells.
Answer
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Adult stem cells are undifferentiated cells found in various tissues that have the ability to differentiate into specialized cell types, while skin cells (or differentiated epithelial cells) are specialized cells that make up the skin tissue and perform specific functions.
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Adult stem cells can replicate indefinitely and contribute to tissue maintenance and repair, whereas skin cells have a limited lifespan and are regularly shed and replaced.
Step 3
State one advantage and one disadvantage of using embryonic stem cells in medical research.
Answer
One advantage of using embryonic stem cells is their ability to differentiate into any cell type, making them highly valuable for regenerative medicine and tissue repair. A disadvantage is the ethical concerns surrounding the use of embryos, as obtaining these stem cells involves the destruction of the embryo, which raises moral and ethical questions.