Final answer:
HeLa cells are an immortal human cell line derived from Henrietta Lacks' cervical cancer cells in 1951. They are a tumor cell line that can divide indefinitely, making them valuable for medical research and significant discoveries such as the polio vaccine.
Step-by-step explanation:
What are HeLa cells?
HeLa cells are a type of immortal human cell line that have been used extensively in scientific research. They are called 'immortal' because they can divide an unlimited number of times in a laboratory setting. This property makes them incredibly valuable for medical research.
Where did HeLa cells come from?
HeLa cells were derived from cervical cancer cells taken from a patient named Henrietta Lacks in 1951. Lacks was being treated for cervical cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital when researchers discovered her cells' remarkable ability to thrive in culture.
What kind of cells are HeLa cells?
HeLa cells are classified as a tumor cell line, originally cultivated from the tumor cells taken from Henrietta Lacks. Over many decades, they have been used in research across various fields of medicine and biology.
Why are they used?
HeLa cells have been instrumental in numerous medical breakthroughs due to their ability to divide indefinitely. This trait allows for continuous experimentation and production of consistent results, contributing to advances in the understanding of diseases such as cancer, AIDS, and even aiding in the development of the polio vaccine and COVID-19 research.