HeLa Cells

Definition

HeLa cells are a line of human cervical cancer cells that were taken from Henrietta Lacks in 1951 and have since become one of the most important tools in medical research. They were the first immortal human cell line, meaning they can divide indefinitely under the right conditions, which has made them invaluable for studying cancer, genetics, and other biological processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. HeLa cells were named after Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were taken without her consent during treatment for cervical cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
2. These cells have been used in numerous groundbreaking medical discoveries, including the development of the polio vaccine and advancements in cancer research.
3. HeLa cells are notable for their robust growth rate and ability to thrive in various environments, making them suitable for a wide range of experiments.
4. Because HeLa cells are derived from a cancerous tumor, they exhibit characteristics that are different from normal somatic cells, such as uncontrolled growth.
5. The ethical implications surrounding the use of HeLa cells have led to ongoing discussions about consent and the treatment of patients in medical research.

Review Questions

• How did HeLa cells revolutionize biomedical research and what implications does this have for cell culture techniques?
  • HeLa cells revolutionized biomedical research by providing an immortal cell line that could be used repeatedly for experiments, leading to advancements in understanding diseases and developing vaccines. Their ability to grow continuously in culture has allowed researchers to conduct long-term studies and perform large-scale screenings. This has significantly influenced cell culture techniques by establishing standard protocols that are now widely used in laboratories worldwide.
• Discuss the ethical concerns associated with the use of HeLa cells in research, particularly regarding informed consent.
  • The use of HeLa cells raises significant ethical concerns because Henrietta Lacks' cells were harvested without her knowledge or consent, which highlights issues surrounding patient rights and autonomy. Researchers have since recognized the importance of informed consent in collecting biological samples for study. This situation has prompted discussions on the ethical treatment of patients and the need for transparency when using human-derived materials in scientific research.
• Evaluate the impact of HeLa cells on the intersection of scientific advancement and ethical considerations in medical research.
  • HeLa cells illustrate the complex relationship between scientific advancement and ethical considerations in medical research. While their contributions to breakthroughs such as the polio vaccine and cancer treatments are undeniable, the circumstances of their collection spotlight critical issues regarding consent, ownership of biological materials, and patient privacy. As science progresses, balancing innovation with ethical responsibility is essential, prompting ongoing dialogues about how researchers can honor individuals while advancing public health.

Related terms

Immortal Cell Line: A cell line that can divide indefinitely in vitro due to mutations that allow them to bypass normal cellular aging and death processes.

Cell Culture: The process of growing cells in a controlled environment outside of their natural habitat, typically in flasks or dishes containing nutrient media.

Biobank: A biorepository that collects and stores biological samples, such as cells or tissues, for research purposes.