Final answer:
HeLa cells, immortal cells from Henrietta Lacks, have been pivotal in studying diseases such as polio, cancer, AIDS, and played a role in COVID-19 research, aiding significant medical advancements since their discovery in 1951.
Step-by-step explanation:
HeLa Cells and Medical Research
HeLa cells, derived from Henrietta Lacks's cervical cancer cells, have contributed significantly to various medical research fields. Some diseases that have been studied using HeLa cells include polio, cancer, AIDS, and more recently, they have played a role in COVID-19 research. Discovered in 1951, these cells have the unique property of being 'immortal,' meaning they can divide indefinitely in a laboratory setting. This characteristic made HeLa cells the first human cell line to be established and allowed for significant advancements in cell biology and medicine.
Jonas Salk famously used HeLa cells in the early 1950s to test his polio vaccine. HeLa cells have also been key in the study of cancer, providing insights into cell growth, genetics, and drug treatment. They furthered understanding and treatment options for AIDS through the study of viruses and the human immune response. HeLa cells have even been used to examine human cellular responses to zero gravity during space missions. Today, they continue to be a vital resource for medical science, contributing to research on various diseases such as melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, bladder cancer, and more.