A2 3.5 Unit 5: 3.5.7 Gene expression is controlled by a number of features

The sequencing and manipulation of DNA has many medical and technological applications.

Most of a cell's DNA is not translated
Totipotent cells are cells that can mature into any body cell. During development, totipotent cells translate only part of their DNA, resulting in cell specialisation. Only a few totipotent cells, called stem cells, remain in mature animals. These can be used in treating some genetic disorders.

Candidates should be able to:

• evaluate the use of stem cells in treating human disorders