Hela cells are an incredibly important part of modern
scientific research. They are a type of immortal cell line derived from a
cervical cancer tumour found in a woman named Henrietta Lacks in 1951. This
discovery revolutionized the field of biology and has since become a staple of
medical research.
Hela cells are a type of immortal cell line, meaning that
they can theoretically be stored and cultured indefinitely. In practice, Hela
cells can be stored for years in a state of suspended animation without loss of
potency or quality. This makes them an ideal resource for research, as they are
convenient to keep and do not require frequent re-culturing or other
maintenance. The use of Hela cells in research has made a significant impact on
biomedical science, leading to the development of treatments for diseases and
cancers, the development of better medical diagnostics, and the advancement of
our understanding of human biology and genetics. In addition, Hela cells can be
used to study many aspects of cell physiology, including growth and division,
cell metabolism, and gene expression.
Hela cells can be stored in the form of frozen cell stocks,
or in a liquid nitrogen tank at subzero temperatures. The cells can also be
cryopreserved in a medium of glycerol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at -80°C.
Frozen stocks of Hela cells can be maintained at -70°C or -80°C for up to 10
years, and longer if properly maintained. Cells in liquid nitrogen tanks can be
stored for up to 15 years.
Hela cells stored in culture dishes at 37°C and in a 5-10%
carbon dioxide atmosphere can remain viable for weeks or even months. However,
this method is less reliable than the other methods, as it is more prone to
environmental contamination or other errors.
The longevity of Hela cells is a testament to their amazing
utility in scientific research. Hela cells can be used to study a variety of
topics, from cancer research to infectious diseases. They are a key component
of research in many areas of medicine and biology, and their long-term storage
capabilities make them a valuable resource.
The use of Hela cells in research has been made possible
because of their unique ability to survive and remain healthy in laboratory
culture. Hela cells can be frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen, and remain
viable even after decades of storage. This means that they can be used again
and again for research, reducing the need to obtain new cells each time.
In addition to their unique properties, Hela cells are
incredibly useful for research because they can be manipulated in the
laboratory in order to study the behaviour of other cells. By introducing
specific genetic modifications or drug treatments, researchers can use Hela
cells to study the effects of various treatments on other cells. This can
provide valuable insights into diseases, cancer, and other aspects of human
biology.
The ability to store Hela cells for future use has been a
major advantage in the advancement of medical science. With the ability to
store cells for long periods of time, researchers can conduct long-term studies
with the same cells, eliminating the need to collect new cells for each
experiment. This makes it much easier to follow the progress of a study over
time and has enabled researchers to gain deeper insights into the inner
workings of cell biology.
In summary, Hela cells are an incredibly important type of
cell line used in modern scientific research. They can be frozen and stored for
long periods of time, allowing them to be used again and again for research.
Their unique properties also make them incredibly useful for studying the behaviour
of other cells, enabling researchers to gain deeper insights into the inner
workings of cell biology.