There are several key differences between Hela cells and
normal cells. For instance:
Origin:
Hela cells are a type of cell line that was derived from a cervical cancer tumour in 1951. They were named after Henrietta Lacks, the woman from whom the tumour sample was taken. Normal cells, on the other hand, are cells that are found in the body and are not cancerous. They can come from any type of tissue in the body, such as skin cells, muscle cells, nerve cells, etc.
Growth characteristics:
Hela cells are known for their rapid proliferation and ability to grow indefinitely in culture. This means that they can continue to divide and multiply in a laboratory setting, even after being removed from the body. Normal cells, on the other hand, have a limited lifespan and will eventually stop dividing and die. This is known as cellular senescence.
Genetic stability:
Hela cells are known for their genetic instability, which means that they can undergo genetic changes over time that may affect their characteristics and behaviour. This can make it difficult to accurately study the effects of certain treatments or interventions on Hela cells, as the cells may change in unexpected ways. Normal cells, on the other hand, are generally more stable genetically and are less likely to undergo genetic changes over time.
Use in research:
Hela cells are widely used in research,
particularly in the study of cancer and cell biology. They are often used to
study the effects of various treatments on cancer cells and to understand the
underlying mechanisms of cancer development and progression. Normal cells are
also used in research, but they are not as commonly used as Hela cells due to
their limited lifespan and slower growth rate. Normal cells are typically used
to study the normal functions and processes of cells in the body, such as
metabolism, signalling, and gene expression.