Question

Explain how the sales of HeLa evolved into a business. Describe the extent to which the profits from that business are likely a direct result of the sale of HeLa cells. In what other ways do scientists, corporations, and individuals profit because of HeLa?

Answer 1

In 1952, HeLa cells became the first human cell line that could grow and divide endlessly in a laboratory, leading scientists to label these cells “immortal”. The immortality of HeLa cells contributed to their adoption across the world as the human cell line of choice for biomedical research.

The sale of HeLa cells grew into a huge business, so unlike what Helen said, big companies such as Invitrogen and BioWhittaker didn't start selling HeLa cells. The business really started with George Gey, the researcher accredited and responsible for the initial culturing of HeLa cells. He started by giving away vials of HeLa cells he developed himself to other researchers in the nation who were interested in it. Eventually, HeLa's popularity grew and more researchers demanded more HeLa cells because conducting researches on HeLa.