Most human cells are very difficult to grow in a laboratory environment. Most cells die quickly or only divide a few times once they are placed in culture. In the 1950’s, doctors performed a biopsy for cervical cancer on a patient named Henrietta Lacks. It was discovered that these cells were able to be grown continuously under laboratory conditions. For all practical purposes the cell stocks derived from Henrietta Lacks’ biopsy were immortal.
These cell stocks became known as “HeLa” cells. HeLa cells enable scientists to always have cell stocks available for experimentation. Furthermore, scientists from different labs are able to perform experiments on the same cells and compare results.
HeLa cells have been used to: explore cell growth and differentiation, develop vaccines, and devise new laboratory techniques. At the time of her biopsy, there were no rules about the use of left over tissue. Consequently, HeLa cells were grown and used without permission from Henrietta Lacks.
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