Hela cells are cancer cells and have ability to divide
rapidly and indefinitely. This is because they have acquired mutations in their
DNA that allow them to evade the normal cellular mechanisms that control cell
growth and division. These mutations can affect a variety of different cellular
processes, including the ability of cells to respond to growth signals, the
ability of cells to repair DNA damage, and the ability of cells to undergo
programmed cell death (apoptosis). By disrupting these normal cellular
mechanisms, cancer cells are able to divide and grow in an uncontrolled manner,
which can lead to the formation of a tumor. As a result, Hela cells are able to
keep dividing and reproducing, even when other normal cells in the body would
die off. This ability to indefinitely divide is one of the key characteristics
of cancer cells, and it is what makes them so difficult to treat.
HeLa cells re capable of undergoing rapid,
mitotically-driven cellular division. In order to achieve this, HeLa cells
undergo a process known as mitosis. This involves a series of stages which
culminate in the separation of the genetic material from the parent cell into
two daughter cells.
The first stage of mitosis is known as prophase. During this
stage, the genetic material, housed within the nucleus of the HeLa cell,
condenses to form a pair of chromosomes. The nuclear membrane also begins to
break down.
The second stage is known as metaphase. During this stage,
the chromosomes line up at the cell’s equator.
The third stage is anaphase. During this stage, the sister
chromatids separate, and are drawn to the cell’s poles.
The fourth stage is telophase. During this stage, the
chromosomes reach the cell’s poles, and a new nuclear membrane forms around
each daughter cell. The cytoplasm also divides in two, allowing the two
daughter cells to separate.
Finally, cytokinesis occurs. During this stage, the
cytoplasm divides, and a cleavage furrow forms between the two daughter cells.
This cleavage furrow then deepens until the two daughter cells have been
completely separated.
Overall, HeLa cells divide by undergoing the process of
mitosis. This involves four stages; prophase, metaphase, anaphase and
telophase. The process is completed by cytokinesis, where the cleavage furrow
between the daughter cells deepens until the two cells are completely
separated.