Structure and Functions in Living Organisms - Cell Structure (Paper 2)

Question 1

what is cell differentiation?

Answer 1

Process involving the development of newly formed cells into more specialised and distinct cells as they mature

Question 2

why is cell differentiation important?

Answer 2

All specialised cells and organs constructed from them have developed as a result of cell differentiation

Question 3

what are the advantages of using stem cells in medicine?

Answer 3

• Medical benefits in therapeutic cloning to heal diseases and chronic illnesses
• Potential in discovering treatments and cures for diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and cancer
• Ability to test potential drugs and medicine without the use of animals or human simulation
• Reduced risk of rejection as the patient’s cells can be used

Question 4

what are the disadvantages of using stem cells in medicine?

Answer 4

• Ethical issues surrounding the use of embryonic stem cells involving the destruction of human embryos
• Uncertainties regarding long-term effects
• Rejection by the patient’s body as certain stem cells are obtained from embryos instead of their own cells
• Difficulty in controlling differentiation of pre-specialised cells into the desired cell