What are embryonic stem cells? Why are stem cells useful to doctors + why this discovery may make fewer people object to their use

Embryonic stem cells are unspecialised or undifferentiated. This means they can divide to form any type of cell. Embryonic stem cells could be used in medicine to replace damaged cells. This could treat diseases such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes or blood and heart disorders. Embryos are usually destroyed when the stem cells are extracted from them. Sometimes people object for ethical reasons or religious beliefs. In other words, some argue that each embryo has the potential to develop into a human being. As with many medical procedures, there are associated risks including the transfer of viral infection between embryo and host.

EJ
Answered by Emily Jill D. Biology tutor

3508 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

The peppered moth is a moth species with pale brown wings. During the industrial revolution, the number of black speciemens increased dramatically around urban areas. Explain this phenomenon using the concepts of natural selection.


Describe the key features of a velocity-time graph?


What is osmosis and how does it work?


What is osmosis?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning