Section 1 - PAPER 2

Question 1

what is cell differentiation

Answer 1

the process by which a cell changes to become specialised for its job

Question 2

how does a cell differetiate

Answer 2

they develop different organelles ad turn into different types of cells, allowing them to carry out different functions

Question 3

what is an undifferentiated cell

Answer 3

also called stem cells
can divide to produce more undifferentiated cells that can differentiate into any type of cell

Question 4

where does undifferentiated cell come from

Answer 4

human embryos
bone marrow (but these are more limited as they ca only turn into some cells, like blood cells)

stem cells from these sources can be grown in a lab to produce clones ad made to differentiate into specialised cells to use in medicine or research

Question 5

stem cell potential

Answer 5

can be used to cure diseases

• adult stem cells are already being used for example, to replace faulty blood cells
• embryonic cells could replace any faulty cell, for example insulin-producing cells for people with diabetes
• there are risks, like these cells becoming contaminating and viruses making sick people sicker

Question 6

stem cell research morals

Answer 6

• some people are against stem cell research and argue that human embryos should not be used as each one is a potential human life. They believe scientists should concentrate on finding other sources of stem cells
• other believe that curing existing patients is more important than the rights of embryos and argue that embryos used in research are usually unwanted ones from fertility clinics which would otherwise be destroyed