DP Biology (last assessment 2024)

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Question 22M.2.HL.TZ1.7a

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Date May 2022 Marks available [Maximum mark: 3] Reference code 22M.2.HL.TZ1.7a
Level HL Paper 2 Time zone TZ1
Command term Outline Question number a Adapted from N/A
a.
[Maximum mark: 3]
22M.2.HL.TZ1.7a
(a)

Outline reasons for the therapeutic use of stem cells.

[3]

Markscheme
  1. unspecialized/undifferentiated stem cells can divide/differentiate along different pathways;
  2. (stem cells are accessible as they) come from embryos/bone marrow/umbilical cord blood/adult tissue;
  3. (stem cells) can regenerate/repair/regrow diseased/damaged tissues in people;
  4. valid specific example;
  5. drugs can be tested on stem cells (in laboratories to see if they are harmful);
Examiners report

Most candidates knew something of the therapeutic uses of stem cells, including differentiation for specific roles. There was a tendency for over-optimism over what can be fixed using stem cells. For example, stem cells are not a treatment for most cancers. The best answers stuck to well-established procedures such as the treatments for leukaemia using stem cells from bone marrow.

Syllabus sections