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What Are Hela Cells And How Were They First Obtained?

Decent Essays

What are HeLa cells and how were they first obtained? HeLa cells are the first immortal human cells. These cells came from Henrietta Lacks’ cervix before she died. 2) Why are HeLa cells unusual? HeLa cells “reproduce an entire generation every 24 hours.” These cells have been around for many years. 3) Discuss 2-3 scientific studies that have utilized HeLa cells. Although Henrietta’s cells came from her tumor when she suffered from cancer, her cells have helped create different medicines for many diseases. HeLa cells have developed medications for Influenza, Herpes, Leukemia, Hemophilia and Parkinson’s disease. Her cells have also been used in studies referring to lactose digestion, human longevity, sexually transmitted diseases and more. 4) Why are HeLa cells controversial? Doctors had removed the cells without permission from the Lacks family or Henrietta herself. They were propagated and more than 20 years later Henrietta’s family learned about this situation. 5) Who was Henrietta Lacks? Henrietta Lacks was a poor, African American farmer, a mother of 5, and wife who suffered from cervical cancer. Her cells have helped change the world of medicine. 6) What is the feeling of her family about the use of HeLa cells? The Lacks family was not informed that Henrietta’s cells were being used in research. They learned this 25 years later and they

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