The Use of Stem Cells (OCR A Level Biology)

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Stem cells in research & medicine

  • Due to their ability to differentiate into multiple cell types, stem cells have huge potential in the therapeutic treatment of disease
  • Stem cells in the treatment of disease could be used to:
    • repair tissue that has been damaged
    • treat neurological conditions
    • research developmental biology
  • Factors to consider when evaluating the use of embryonic stem cells in medicine include:
    • ethical concerns around the use of embryonic stem cellsĀ which have the potential to develop into an adult human
    • any adult stem cells used in medical treatment could cause an immune response unless they are a close tissue match
    • stem cells have the ability to divide indefinitely; if this division becomes uncontrolled then it can lead to cancers

Tissue repair

  • Tissue damage can occur due to:
    • accidental damage
    • degenerative disease
    • autoimmune condition
  • Stem cells could be encouraged to differentiate into a damaged cell type and used to repair damaged tissue, e.g.
    • skin cells to treat burn patients
    • neurones to repair a damaged spinal cord
    • pancreas cells to treat type 1 diabetes
    • retina cells for the treatment of macular degeneration in the eye

Treating neurological conditions

  • Brain cells and neurones can be affected by some diseases, affecting the body's ability to coordinate responses to stimuli
  • Stem cells could be used to generate new neurones in order to treat the symptoms of these conditions, e.g.
    • replacing damaged brain cells in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease

Developmental biology

  • Embryonic stem cells have the ability to differentiate into embryos, allowing scientists to study the developmental stages of the early embryo
  • Research on developmental biology can provide important information about:
    • developmental problems
    • the effects of medicines on embryos

Examiner Tip

You are not expected to be able to name any specific examples of neurological conditions that could be treated using stem cells.

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Alistair

Author: Alistair

Expertise: Biology & Environmental Systems and Societies

Alistair graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He has taught GCSE/IGCSE Biology, as well as Biology and Environmental Systems & Societies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. While teaching in Oxford, Alistair completed his MA Education as Head of Department for Environmental Systems & Societies. Alistair has continued to pursue his interests in ecology and environmental science, recently gaining an MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation with Edinburgh Napier University.