Question

Describe/explain what a HeLa cell is?

Answer 1

HeLa cells are immortal cancer cells that were removed from a living tissue during a biopsy and propagated ex vivo. They were the first human cells that researchers could grow and multiply endlessly in the lab. They have been widely used in laboratory studies, especially in research on viruses, cancer, and human genetics. They have also played a role in developing advances like the polio and COVID-19 vaccines, treatments for cancer, HIV, AIDS, and much more. HeLa cells have a highly unstable genome, with abnormal numbers and structures of chromosomes. They are a common source of cross-contamination and misidentification of other cell lines3. The cells came from a cervical cancer sample obtained from Henrietta Lack in 1951, without her knowledge or permission.

Answer 2

Some of her cancer cells began being used in research due to their unique ability to continuously grow and divide in the laboratory. These so-called “immortal” cells were later named “HeLa” after the first two letters of Henrietta Lacks first and last name.

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