Final answer:
HeLa cells possess active telomerase which prevents their telomeres from shortening, allowing endless cell proliferation. This characteristic makes them a valuable model for research into cancer and the potential use of telomerase in regenerative medicine and anti-aging therapies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The status of telomeres in HeLa cells is that they are maintained by the action of the telomerase enzyme. HeLa cells are known for their ability to divide indefinitely due to the presence of telomerase which normally is not active in adult somatic cells. The telomerase in HeLa cells prevents the shortening of telomeres that is commonly associated with the process of aging and repeated cell division. Thus, unlike normal somatic cells whose telomeres shorten over time leading to cell aging and eventually cell death, HeLa cells maintain telomere length enabling them to continuously proliferate.
HeLa cells are a pivotal tool in medical research and have significantly contributed to our understanding of cancer and aging. The role of telomerase in this continuous cell division makes these cells particularly useful for studying the mechanisms of cancer, where cancerous cells often have reactivated telomerase, allowing them to divide without limit.
Moreover, researchers are exploring therapeutic avenues involving telomerase to treat age-related diseases and disorders in regenerative medicine. However, it's also understood that if the action of telomerase can be inhibited in cancerous cells, it could potentially stop their uncontrolled division during cancer therapy.