How can a cell be immortal? What is it about Henrietta Lacks’ cells that made them able to stay alive? How did the HeLa cell line revolutionize research but kill Henrietta Lacks?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The immortal cells are cells taken from Henrietta Lacks that do not die in the laboratory. The cells continue to reproduce indefinitely, which is why the HeLa cell line is still in use today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read more about the immortal cells that are laboratory versions of Henrietta Lacks’ cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Henrietta\u2019s cancer cells reproduced unlike any other cells in human history, which was why her cancer was so aggressive. But they also changed research forever. Whereas all human cells prior to Henrietta\u2019s died when removed from the human body and placed in a test tube or petri dish, Henrietta\u2019s reproduced consistently and continuously in culture: They were \u201cimmortal.\u201d<\/strong> Although scientists were able to discover the root cause of Henrietta\u2019s cancer, they were at a loss to explain why her cells flourished so incredibly in culture. Henrietta\u2019s Clover relatives, however, had their own theories: Divine punishment for leaving Clover or original sin, or malevolent spirits. Henrietta\u2019s cousin Sadie even wondered whether Henrietta\u2019s insides had been colonized by something from outer space<\/strong>.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nAliens Colonizing Henrietta Lacks’ Cells?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nAre Immortal Cells Human?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n