Question

Describe how the HeLa cell line was formed (biologically) and why it is significant in the history of biomedical research.

Answer 1

Answer:

HeLa cell lines were known to us around for more than 60 years and are cancerous. These are line or population of cells isolated from Henrietta Lacks, who died because of aggressive adenocarcinoma of the cervix. The cells from Henrietta were collected and were used for research lead by Dr. George Gey, Director of the Tissue Culture Laboratory at John Hopkins. The objective was to treat cancer by creating immortal cell line for research which can be used for developing therapies and vaccines.

These cells are significant in the history of biomedical research

• HeLa cells are cancerous and posses different genetic characteristics compared to normal cells. These cells contain 76 to 80 chromosomes and contain DNA of the HPV virus (Human Papilloma virus) and can be used for medical and biological studies.
• These cells have high growth rate.
• Being a immortal cells, researchers can able to cultivate them for the past 6 decades.
• Because of its unique properties HeLa cells are used in studying the impact of toxins, radiation and chemicals on human cells.