Biology 3593B Study Guide - Quiz Guide: Hayflick Limit, Henrietta Lacks, Telomerase
Document Summary
In order to study cells, it is necessary to have a supply of cells. Cells from individuals or from animal tissues can vary from sample to sample and are genetically diverse so lack consistency. Cells removed from their natural environment can get stressed and die without the proper nutrients. Isolated tissues can be kept functional for several days in simple salt solutions but individual cells were harder to culture. Most eukaryotic cells have a limited lifespan in culture even when all of their nutrients are provided. Telomere shortening following cell division limits the number of times a cell divides. Tumour cells are effectively immortal and can rebuild their telomeres using the enzyme telomerase. Isolated from henrietta lacks in 1951 from a cervical tumour. Some of the tumour cells that were isolated were immortal and could be cultured indefinitely. First human cell line and still one of the most widely used models today.
