OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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Why are embryonic stem cells considered important for growth and repair?

They can replicate quickly
They can become any kind of cell
They are found only in embryos
They can only be found in bone marrow

The correct answer is: They can become any kind of cell

Embryonic stem cells are considered important for growth and repair primarily because they have the unique capability to differentiate into any type of cell in the body. This pluripotency allows them to potentially develop into various tissues and organs, making them invaluable for regenerative medicine and therapeutic applications. Their ability to transform into different cell types means they can be used to repair damaged tissues or even generate new cells to replace those lost to injury or disease. The other statements do not capture the primary significance of embryonic stem cells in relation to growth and repair. For example, while they can replicate quickly, many other cell types can also reproduce rapidly. Additionally, being found only in embryos limits their applicability, and bone marrow is not a source of embryonic stem cells but rather of adult stem cells, which have a more limited differentiation potential.