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

Why is it challenging to produce organs using stem cells?

1. Organs have simple structures

2. Stem cells are difficult to acquire

3. Organs are complex structures

4. Stem cells are only found in embryos

The correct answer is: Organs are complex structures

Producing organs using stem cells is particularly challenging due to the complexity of organ structures. Organs consist of multiple cell types organized in intricate ways, each with specific functions and interactions. This complexity requires a deep understanding of how various cells communicate and develop together, which is not fully understood even in established organ systems. Additionally, creating an organ from stem cells not only involves generating the different cell types needed but also arranging them in a specific three-dimensional architecture that can replicate natural organ function. Techniques to guide stem cells into assembling into these complex structures are still being researched and developed, contributing to the challenges faced in this field. While there may be difficulties related to the acquisition of stem cells or their availability in embryos, these factors are not the primary reason for the challenges in organ production. The intricate and multi-faceted nature of organ design stands out as the core obstacle.