Chapter 1: Cell Biology
High demand: • Write an argument: Do the benefits of using human embryonic stem cells outweigh the moral arguments against it? Explain your answer. [O1, O2, O3]
Explain • Students should read the section on stem cells on pages 30–31 of the Student Book. They should write an explanation for another class about where different stem cells come from and how they can be used by doctors and scientists. [O1, O2]
Consolidate and apply • Ask students to write and present a news bulletin describing stem cells and discussing the applications they could have for the future. They should use information from the lesson to explain the advantages and disadvantages of using stem cells. [O2, O3]
Extend Ask students who are able to progress further, to: • watch the video on tissue engineering using stem cells. www.cells4life.co.uk (search terms: ‘videos’ and ‘tissue engineering’) Students should use this to prepare their own PowerPoint presentation to present to the class about different applications of stems cells and some of the problems scientists have had to overcome to grow tissues and organs. [O2, O3]
Plenary suggestions Ask students to work in small groups and make up 10 questions about stem cells. Each group should present their questions to another group to answer. [O1, O2] Students should present their own case for or against the use of stem cells, using reasoned arguments. [O1−O3]
Answers to Worksheet 1.9.1 1 How are stem cells used? 1. Advantages of using stem cells: Replacement of blood and other tissues (for example, bone, skin and eye), repair of damage to organs and nerve cells. Millions of people may benefit. Disadvantages: Human stem cells are painful to remove from adults and may introduce disease. Embryos have the right to live; interfering with stem cells is unnatural, against some religious beliefs. 2.
Some religions believe that life starts at the moment of conception and it is wrong to interfere with human development.
AQA GCSE Biology: Trilogy: Teacher Pack
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