- Describe the characteristics of stem cells that make them potentially useful in medicine

Stem cells can be used in medicine, such as to cure stargradt’s Macular Dystrophy and Leukemia. By
having the potential of differentiating into any type of cell, and unlimited growth. Also, there is less
chance of genetic damage when it is used.

- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the use of adult stem cells
Advantages of using adult stem cells are firstly, it has less chance of developing malignant tumours
than using embryonic stem cells. Also, it is fully compatible with the adult’s tissue, not occuring rejection
problems. Lastly, removing stem cells does not kill the adult. On the other hand, disadvantages are that
it is difficult to get the adult stem cells because of the small quantity with the fact buried deep in tissues.
In addition, there is less growth potential and limited capacity to differentiate into different cell types.

- Outline the cell theory

Cells are the smallest possible units of life, consisting of organelles such as nucleus, cytoplasm,
membrane etc. Living organisms are composed of cells, and new cells are created by pre-existing cells.

- The electron micrograph is a spore of a fungus which affects wheat. Determine the
magnification of the spore in the electron micrograph. The scale bar represents μm.
0.3cm/ 1μm = 3000μm/ 1μm = 3000x

- Explain the importance of surface area to volume ratio as a limit to cell size
The rate at which substances that the cell absorbs the nutrients and removes waste products cross the
plasma membrane depends on its surface area. Hence, the surface area to volume ratio is very
important as if the ratio is too small, substances will not enter the cell as they are required and waste
products will accumulate.

- Calculate the magnification of the bacterium

2.9cm/ 1μm = 29000μm/ 1μm = 29000x

- State two differences in structure between plant and animal cells

Plant cells have large vacuoles, whereas animals cells have small vacuoles
Plant cells have chloroplasts and chlorophyll, whereas animal cells don’t have them

- Drawing
- Compare the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
Prokaryotes only have cytoplasm, cell wall, plasma membrane, nucleoid, flagellum and pili, while
eukaryotes have nuclear, endoplasmic reticulum, chloroplast, vesicles as an extra.

- Calculate the magnification of the image

2.5cm/ 250μm = 25000μm/ 250μm = 100x