Final answer:
The statement is true; Ebola viruses can be grown in cultures using HeLa cells. These cells have been essential for virology and various medical research since their ability to divide indefinitely allows for reliable and continuous cultures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is true: Ebola viruses can be grown in virus cultures using HeLa cells. HeLa cells, derived from the cervical cancer cells of Henrietta Lacks, are immortal cell lines that have the extraordinary ability to divide indefinitely. This trait makes them particularly valuable for various types of medical and biological research, including the study of viruses. The HeLa cells provide a sustainable and consistent medium for viral cultivation, which is crucial since viruses require living cells to replicate.
Since their discovery, HeLa cells have had a significant impact on medical advancements. They have been utilized for the development of the polio vaccine, research on cancer, AIDS, and other diseases, and have even been sent into space to study the effects of zero gravity on human cells. The ethical concerns regarding the use of Henrietta Lacks's cells without her consent have sparked discussions and changes in medical ethics and patients' rights, but the importance of HeLa cells in scientific research is undeniable.