HeLa Cells: Overview and Where to Buy
| Aspect | Insight |
|---|---|
| Nature of HeLa Cells | HeLa cells are immortal cell lines originating from Henrietta Lacks' cervical cancer cells in 1951. |
| Contribution to Science | HeLa cells have been pivotal in numerous scientific advancements, including the development of polio and COVID-19 vaccines. |
| Ethical Considerations | The use of HeLa cells has sparked discussions on patient consent and privacy, leading to significant changes in medical ethics and law. |
HeLa cells were obtained from a cervical cancer biopsy taken from Henrietta Lacks, a young African-American woman, without her knowledge or consent during her treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital in 1951. These cells were the first to be cultured successfully and to continuously grow and divide in the laboratory, making them an invaluable tool for medical research
Summary
HeLa cells are one of the most significant and widely used cell lines in medical research. Originating from a cervical cancer tumor taken from Henrietta Lacks without her consent in 1951, these cells were the first human cells to be successfully cloned and grown outside the human body. This breakthrough paved the way for numerous scientific advancements, including the development of the polio vaccine, research into cancer, AIDS, the effects of radiation and toxic substances, gene mapping, and many other fields.
Ethical concerns
The HeLa cell line is renowned for its remarkable durability and prolific reproduction rate, which make it an invaluable resource for researchers. However, the story of HeLa cells is also intertwined with ethical concerns, particularly regarding consent, privacy, and the recognition of Henrietta Lacks and her family's contributions to science. Despite these issues, HeLa cells continue to be a cornerstone of biomedical research, contributing to scientific breakthroughs and advancing our understanding of human biology and disease.
Who Has Access to HeLa Cells?
Today, HeLa cells are widely available to researchers around the globe, facilitating a broad spectrum of scientific studies beyond the confines of cancer research alone. This widespread availability has democratized research, allowing scientists from various disciplines to explore complex biological questions.
Buy HeLa Cells
Cytion is a trusted source for obtaining HeLa cells. We prioritize maintaining the highest quality and authenticity of HeLa cells through stringent quality control measures, including Short Tandem Repeat (STR) profiling, which ensures the genuine identity of the cell lines, reducing the risk of using misidentified or contaminated cells. Additionally, comprehensive testing for viruses, bacteria, and mycoplasma contamination guarantees that the cells are free from unwanted contaminants, ensuring reliable and reproducible research results.
We offer fast availability of HeLa cells to meet researchers' urgent needs, with a streamlined ordering process for quick turnaround. Also, we provide global shipping options from locations in the United States and Germany, serving researchers worldwide.