hela — visual vocabulary card
B1 Noun #5 가장 일반적인 16분 분량

hela

HeLa is a special name for cells that scientists use in a lab. These cells are very famous because they can live for a long time. They come from a woman named Henrietta Lacks. A long time ago, doctors took some of her cells to study them. Now, these cells are in labs all over the world. Scientists use them to find medicine for sick people. It is like a name for a very important tool in science. You can think of HeLa as 'super cells' that help doctors learn how our bodies work. Even though the woman died many years ago, her cells are still 'alive' in the lab today. This helps us make vaccines and other important medicines. Most people just say 'HeLa cells' when they talk about them.
HeLa is a word used in science to talk about a specific group of human cells. These cells are special because they are 'immortal.' This means they do not die like normal cells; they keep growing and making more cells in a laboratory. They were first taken from a woman named Henrietta Lacks in 1951. Scientists use HeLa cells to study many things, like how cancer grows or how to make new vaccines. For example, the vaccine for polio was made using these cells. If you go to a big science lab, you will probably find HeLa cells there. It is a very important part of medical history. We use the name HeLa by taking the first two letters of her first name (He) and her last name (La).
HeLa refers to the first immortal human cell line ever grown in a laboratory. In biology, 'immortal' means the cells can divide an infinite number of times as long as they have food and the right environment. These cells were originally harvested from a patient named Henrietta Lacks, who had cervical cancer. Crucially, they were taken without her informed consent, which is a major topic in medical ethics today. HeLa cells have been vital for countless medical breakthroughs, including the development of the polio vaccine, gene mapping, and COVID-19 research. When using this term, it is important to capitalize it as 'HeLa' and understand that it represents both a powerful scientific tool and a complex history of patient rights and racial inequality in medicine.
HeLa is the designation for a specific, robust line of human epithelial cells used extensively in scientific research. Derived from a cervical tumor in Henrietta Lacks in 1951, HeLa cells were the first human cells to be successfully cloned and maintained in vitro indefinitely. Their aggressive growth and resilience made them the gold standard for laboratory experiments, though this same vigor often leads to the contamination of other cell cultures. The term is ubiquitous in biomedical literature, appearing in tens of thousands of research papers. Beyond the technical aspects, 'HeLa' also invokes a significant bioethical discourse regarding the ownership of genetic material and the history of medical exploitation. Understanding HeLa requires balancing its immense contribution to global health with the ethical failures surrounding its origin.
HeLa denotes a pervasive and historically significant immortalized cell line that has become a cornerstone of modern molecular biology. These cells, characterized by their rapid proliferation and aneuploid karyotype, were surreptitiously obtained from Henrietta Lacks at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Their unique ability to bypass the Hayflick limit—the point at which normal cells stop dividing—is attributed to the expression of telomerase and the presence of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV-18) genome. In academic and professional discourse, HeLa is often discussed not only as a biological model but also as a catalyst for the development of modern informed consent protocols. The term encapsulates a duality: it is a peerless scientific resource that has facilitated breakthroughs in virology, oncology, and proteomics, while simultaneously serving as a stark reminder of systemic biases within the healthcare infrastructure.
HeLa represents the archetypal immortalized human cell line, a biological entity that has transcended its origins to become a global scientific standard. Originating from the biopsy of a malignant adenocarcinoma in Henrietta Lacks, the HeLa lineage is defined by its remarkable genomic instability and its capacity for indefinite vegetative propagation. In the upper echelons of biomedical research, HeLa is utilized for everything from high-throughput drug screening to the elucidation of complex intracellular signaling pathways. The term also functions as a synecdoche for the broader ethical evolution of the life sciences, prompting rigorous debates on genomic privacy, the commercialization of human tissue, and the moral imperatives of restorative justice for the Lacks descendants. To master the use of 'HeLa' at this level is to appreciate its role as both a foundational tool of the 'biotech century' and a profound symbol of the intersection between individual bodily autonomy and the collective pursuit of scientific knowledge.

hela 30초 만에

  • HeLa is the first immortal human cell line, discovered in 1951 and named after Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were taken without her consent.
  • These cells are biologically unique because they can divide indefinitely in a laboratory, unlike normal human cells which eventually die off.
  • HeLa has been instrumental in major medical breakthroughs, including the polio vaccine, cancer treatments, gene mapping, and modern virology research.
  • The story of HeLa is a central topic in bioethics, highlighting historical issues of patient rights, informed consent, and racial inequality in medicine.

The term hela, or more accurately HeLa, refers to a scientific miracle and an ethical landmark in modern medicine. At its core, it is a line of human cells that has the unique ability to survive and divide indefinitely in a laboratory setting. Unlike normal human cells, which undergo a finite number of divisions before dying—a process known as senescence—these cells are biologically immortal. This characteristic has made them an indispensable tool for researchers across the globe, allowing for consistent, repeatable experiments that would be impossible with short-lived primary cells. When scientists use the word, they are usually referring to the specific biological material used in their experiments, but in broader cultural and ethical discussions, the word carries the weight of the history of the woman from whom they were taken: Henrietta Lacks.

Scientific Definition
An immortalized cell line derived from cervical cancer cells taken from Henrietta Lacks in 1951, used extensively in medical research.

The use of hela cells spans across various domains of biology. In virology, they were instrumental in developing the polio vaccine. In oncology, they help researchers understand how cancer spreads and how different drugs can inhibit tumor growth. In genetics, they were the first cells to be cloned and have been used to map the human genome. Because they grow so robustly, they are often used as a 'standard' in labs, meaning a result found in one lab using these cells can be compared accurately to a result in another lab halfway across the world. However, this robustness is also a double-edged sword; hela cells are so aggressive that they can easily contaminate other cell cultures if lab protocols are not strictly followed.

The researcher noted that the hela culture had doubled in size overnight, demonstrating the cell line's remarkable proliferative capacity.

Beyond the laboratory, the word is frequently invoked in bioethics. It serves as a primary example of the importance of informed consent. Because the cells were taken without Henrietta Lacks' knowledge or permission, the story of hela is taught in medical schools and ethics courses to highlight the historical mistreatment of African Americans in the medical system. Therefore, when you hear this word in a social science context, it is often a shorthand for the tension between scientific progress and individual rights. It represents a legacy that is both a gift to humanity and a reminder of past injustices.

Etymological Origin
The name is a portmanteau created from the first two letters of the donor's first and last names: Henrietta Lacks.

Without the discovery of hela cells, many of the vaccines we take for granted today might never have been developed.

In contemporary usage, hela is also a symbol of resilience. Despite the tragic circumstances of Henrietta Lacks' death from cancer, her cells continue to live on, contributing to the health of billions of people. This 'immortality' is not just a biological fact but a narrative one. It has inspired books, movies, and foundations dedicated to health equity. When a student or a professional uses the term, they are participating in a conversation that is over seventy years old, connecting the microscopic world of cellular biology to the macroscopic world of human history and social justice.

The ethics committee debated whether the commercialization of hela products should result in compensation for the Lacks family.

Common Misconception
Many people mistakenly believe that 'hela' is a type of disease; it is actually a specific cell line used to study many different diseases.

The lab technician prepared a new medium for the hela cells to ensure they remained healthy for the upcoming trial.

We are studying the effects of radiation on hela cells to better understand cancer treatment side effects.

Using the word hela correctly requires an understanding of its role as a proper noun and a specific scientific entity. In most professional and academic writing, it functions as a collective noun referring to a population of cells. Because it is a specific 'brand' or 'line' of cells, it is rarely used in the plural (you wouldn't usually say 'helas'), but rather as a modifier for 'cells' or 'cell line'. For example, you would say 'the HeLa cell line' or 'HeLa cells'. When using it in a sentence, it is important to treat it with the precision required of scientific terminology while acknowledging its historical context.

As a Subject
HeLa has contributed to more than 70,000 medical studies since its discovery.

In a laboratory setting, hela is often the subject of verbs related to growth, reaction, and contamination. You might hear a scientist say, 'The HeLa is growing too fast,' or 'HeLa has contaminated our other cultures.' In these instances, the word is used almost like a person's name, reflecting the cells' origin from a specific individual. This personification is common in lab jargon, where researchers develop a strange sort of relationship with the biological materials they work with daily. However, in formal papers, it is more common to see it as an adjective: 'HeLa-derived proteins' or 'HeLa cell assays'.

The study utilized hela cells to test the toxicity of the new compound before moving to animal trials.

When discussing the ethical implications, hela is often used in the possessive or in relation to the Lacks family. Sentences like 'The HeLa story changed how we view patient rights' or 'The controversy surrounding HeLa remains relevant today' show how the word moves from biology into the realm of law and ethics. It is crucial to distinguish between the cells themselves and the woman they came from. While the cells are 'HeLa', the person is 'Henrietta Lacks'. Mixing these up can be seen as insensitive or scientifically inaccurate. For instance, saying 'HeLa died in 1951' is incorrect; Henrietta Lacks died in 1951, but HeLa continues to live.

In Comparative Contexts
Compared to other cell lines, HeLa is significantly more resilient and easier to maintain in vitro.

Researchers often choose hela for initial testing because its growth patterns are so well-documented.

Furthermore, hela can be used in sentences that describe the global distribution of the cells. 'HeLa cells have been sent to space' or 'HeLa is found in almost every major biological research institute' are common ways to express the ubiquity of this cell line. The word often appears in the company of technical terms like 'passaging', 'incubation', 'medium', and 'confluency'. If you are writing a lab report, you might write: 'HeLa cells were passaged at 80% confluency into a new T-75 flask.' This demonstrates a high level of technical proficiency and familiarity with standard lab procedures.

The ethical debate over hela has led to stricter regulations regarding the use of human tissue in research.

In Educational Settings
Students are often introduced to HeLa in their first biology course to learn about cell division and cancer.

The professor asked the class to research the various ways hela has been used in genetic engineering.

The discovery of the HPV virus's role in cancer was made possible through the study of hela cells.

The word hela is most commonly heard in environments where science, medicine, and ethics intersect. If you walk through the halls of a university biology department, you will hear it frequently in casual conversation between graduate students and professors. It is a 'workhorse' word—something used so often that it becomes part of the background noise of the lab. You might hear someone say, 'I need to split the HeLa today,' or 'The HeLa plate looks contaminated.' In these contexts, it is spoken with the same familiarity one might use for a common tool like a pipette or a microscope.

In the Laboratory
HeLa is the most widely used human cell line in the world, appearing in thousands of labs across every continent.

Beyond the lab, you will hear hela in academic lectures and medical conferences. It is a staple of introductory biology (Bio 101) and advanced genetics courses. Professors use it to illustrate the concept of 'immortality' in cells and to explain how cancer bypasses the normal checks and balances of the cell cycle. In these settings, the word is often accompanied by diagrams of chromosomes or time-lapse videos of cells dividing. It is also a frequent topic in bioethics seminars, where the discussion shifts from the cells' biological properties to the social and legal ramifications of their use without consent.

During the lecture on oncology, the professor explained how hela cells helped scientists identify the enzyme telomerase.

In the public sphere, hela gained significant name recognition following the publication of 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks'. You might hear it mentioned in book clubs, on public radio programs like NPR, or in documentaries about medical history. In these cases, the word is often used to spark a conversation about race, poverty, and the history of medicine in America. It has become a cultural touchstone that represents the 'unsung heroes' of science—individuals whose contributions were essential but who were themselves overlooked or exploited.

In Legal and Ethical Debates
The Lacks family's legal battle against biotechnology companies has brought the word HeLa into the courtroom and legal journals.

The podcast host discussed the ethical 'gray area' that hela cells represent in modern patent law.

You may also encounter the word in news reports about breakthroughs in medical research. When a new cancer drug is announced or a new understanding of a virus is published, the reporter might mention that the initial testing was done on hela cells. This provides a sense of continuity and reliability to the scientific claim. In the world of biotechnology investment and pharmaceutical development, the word is used to describe a standard tool for drug screening and validation. It is a word that bridges the gap between the highly specialized world of the scientist and the everyday world of the patient.

The news anchor reported that hela cells were being used in the rapid development of the new antiviral medication.

In Scientific Literature
Searching for 'HeLa' on PubMed yields over 100,000 results, reflecting its massive impact on peer-reviewed research.

The abstract of the paper clearly states that hela was the primary model used for the intracellular signaling study.

In the documentary, the scientist described his first time seeing hela cells under a microscope as a life-changing moment.

One of the most frequent mistakes people make with the word hela is related to its capitalization and spelling. Because it is derived from a proper name (Henrietta Lacks), it should almost always be written as HeLa. Writing it as 'hela' or 'Hela' is often seen as a sign of a novice or someone who is not familiar with scientific conventions. In professional journals, this is a strict requirement. Another common error is confusing the cells with the person. It is important to remember that HeLa refers to the cell line, while Henrietta Lacks is the human being. Using the terms interchangeably can lead to confusion and is often considered disrespectful to the donor's memory.

Capitalization Error
Incorrect: 'The hela cells were used.' Correct: 'The HeLa cells were used.'

Another mistake is treating hela as a generic term for all immortal cells. While HeLa was the first, there are now thousands of different immortalized cell lines, such as CHO (Chinese Hamster Ovary) cells or HEK 293 (Human Embryonic Kidney) cells. Referring to any lab-grown cell as 'a hela' is scientifically inaccurate. It's like calling every soda a 'Coke'. In a lab, this mistake can be dangerous, as different cell lines have different properties and require different handling. Using the wrong cell line in an experiment can invalidate months of work and lead to false conclusions.

The student was corrected for calling the Vero cells hela, as they are derived from different species entirely.

Grammatically, people sometimes try to pluralize the word as 'HeLas'. As mentioned before, HeLa is generally used as an uncountable noun or a modifier. You have a 'HeLa culture' or 'HeLa cells', but you don't have 'three HeLas'. This is a subtle point, but using the plural can make your writing sound informal or unprofessional. Additionally, some people confuse the word with the Greek word 'Hellas' (meaning Greece) or the Norse goddess 'Hel'. While they sound similar, they are completely unrelated. Context usually prevents this confusion, but it's something to be aware of in spoken English.

Conceptual Error
Incorrect: 'HeLa is a type of cancer.' Correct: 'HeLa is a cell line derived from a specific case of cervical cancer.'

The journalist mistakenly wrote that hela was a virus, rather than a human cell line used to study viruses.

Finally, a significant mistake in the ethical context is ignoring the 'Lacks' part of the story. When discussing hela in a social or historical context, failing to mention Henrietta Lacks can be seen as continuing the historical erasure of her contribution. Modern ethics require that we acknowledge the human source of biological materials. In academic writing, it is now standard practice to include a brief acknowledgement of Henrietta Lacks when publishing research that relies heavily on HeLa cells. This is not just a matter of politeness; it is a matter of historical accuracy and ethical integrity.

The textbook was updated to include the full history of hela to avoid the mistake of presenting it as a purely 'anonymous' resource.

Pronunciation Error
Some beginners pronounce it 'HELL-ah', but the standard scientific pronunciation is 'HEE-lah'.

The intern was gently corrected when he mispronounced hela during the lab meeting.

It is a mistake to think that hela cells are identical to the cells in Henrietta Lacks' body in 1951; they have evolved significantly in the lab.

When discussing hela, it is helpful to know other terms that are used in similar contexts. While there is no true synonym for HeLa—since it is a specific, unique entity—there are broader categories and other specific cell lines that researchers often mention. Understanding these alternatives helps you navigate scientific literature and laboratory discussions more effectively. The most common broad term is 'immortalized cell line'. This refers to any population of cells that can divide indefinitely. HeLa is the most famous example of an immortalized cell line, but it is just one of many thousands that exist today.

HeLa vs. Immortalized Cell Line
'Immortalized cell line' is the general category; 'HeLa' is a specific instance within that category. Use the general term when discussing technology and the specific term when discussing a particular experiment.

Other specific cell lines you might hear alongside hela include HEK 293, CHO, and Vero cells. HEK 293 cells are derived from human embryonic kidney cells and are widely used in biotechnology and protein production. CHO cells come from Chinese Hamster Ovaries and are the industry standard for manufacturing therapeutic proteins. Vero cells are derived from African green monkey kidney epithelial cells and are often used in microbiology and virology. Each of these has its own strengths and weaknesses, and scientists choose between them based on the specific needs of their research. For example, if you need a human-like environment, you might choose HeLa or HEK 293; if you need to produce a specific protein at a high scale, you might choose CHO.

While the lab uses hela for cancer research, they prefer HEK 293 for gene expression studies.

In the context of cancer research, you might also hear the term 'primary cells'. These are cells taken directly from a living organism that have not been immortalized. Unlike hela, primary cells have a limited lifespan and will eventually stop dividing. Researchers often compare results from hela cells with primary cells to see if the 'immortality' of the cell line affects the outcome of the experiment. Another related term is 'stem cells', which are cells that have the potential to develop into many different cell types. While hela cells are specialized (they are cervical cancer cells), stem cells are unspecialized and can be 'programmed' to become something else.

HeLa vs. Primary Cells
Primary cells are more 'natural' but harder to keep alive; HeLa cells are 'artificial' in their immortality but much easier to work with in long-term studies.

The scientist decided to validate the hela results using primary human cervical cells to ensure the findings were not an artifact of the cell line's immortality.

In ethical discussions, alternatives to the word hela might include 'human biological materials' or 'biospecimens'. These are more formal, legalistic terms used in consent forms and institutional review board (IRB) documents. They emphasize the cells as a resource or a sample rather than a historical entity. However, in the public eye, 'The HeLa Story' remains the most evocative way to describe the intersection of biology and ethics. Whether you are a scientist choosing a cell line or an ethicist discussing patient rights, knowing these related terms allows you to speak with greater precision and authority.

The hospital updated its policy on the storage of human biospecimens, citing the hela case as a key influence.

HeLa vs. Stem Cells
Stem cells can become any cell type; HeLa cells are fixed as cancer cells. Both are used for research, but for very different purposes.

While stem cell research offers hope for regenerative medicine, hela remains the gold standard for understanding basic cellular mechanics.

The lab ordered a fresh batch of hela from the ATCC to replace their aging stock.

How Formal Is It?

격식체

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중립

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비격식체

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Child friendly

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속어

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재미있는 사실

For many years, the public mistakenly believed the cells came from a woman named 'Helen Lane' because scientists wanted to protect Henrietta's privacy—or perhaps because they didn't know her real name themselves.

발음 가이드

UK /ˈhiːlə/
US /ˈhiːlə/
The stress is on the first syllable: HEE-la.
라임이 맞는 단어
Sheila tequila dealer healer kneeler peeler stealer vealer
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing it 'HELL-ah' (like the word 'hell').
  • Pronouncing it 'HAY-lah' (like the word 'hay').
  • Adding an 's' at the end ('He-las').
  • Pronouncing the 'H' as a silent letter.
  • Over-emphasizing the second syllable.

난이도

독해 3/5

Easy to read but requires understanding of scientific context.

쓰기 4/5

Correct capitalization and ethical sensitivity are important.

말하기 2/5

Simple pronunciation once learned.

듣기 3/5

Can be confused with 'healer' or 'Hellas' in fast speech.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

cell cancer laboratory research medicine

다음에 배울 것

immortalization bioethics genome virology telomerase

고급

aneuploidy adenocarcinoma Hayflick limit proteomics informed consent

알아야 할 문법

Proper Noun Capitalization

Always write 'HeLa', not 'hela'.

Collective Nouns

Treat 'HeLa' as a singular entity when referring to the line.

Noun as Adjective

In 'HeLa cells', 'HeLa' describes the type of cells.

Passive Voice in Science

'HeLa cells were cultured in a CO2 incubator.'

Possessive Proper Nouns

Henrietta Lacks's cells or Henrietta Lacks' cells.

수준별 예문

1

HeLa cells are very small.

Les cellules HeLa sont très petites.

Proper noun used as an adjective.

2

Scientists study HeLa in the lab.

Les scientifiques étudient HeLa au laboratoire.

Direct object of the verb study.

3

HeLa helps us make medicine.

HeLa nous aide à fabriquer des médicaments.

Subject of the sentence.

4

These cells are called HeLa.

Ces cellules s'appellent HeLa.

Passive construction.

5

HeLa is famous in science.

HeLa est célèbre en science.

Predicate adjective 'famous'.

6

We use HeLa every day.

Nous utilisons HeLa tous les jours.

Present simple tense.

7

HeLa cells live a long time.

Les cellules HeLa vivent longtemps.

Plural subject.

8

I saw HeLa under the microscope.

J'ai vu HeLa sous le microscope.

Past simple tense.

1

HeLa cells were the first cells to live forever in a lab.

Les cellules HeLa ont été les premières cellules à vivre éternellement dans un laboratoire.

Past tense with infinitive phrase.

2

Doctors took HeLa cells from a woman in 1951.

Les médecins ont prélevé des cellules HeLa sur une femme en 1951.

Prepositional phrase 'from a woman'.

3

You can find HeLa in many different countries.

On peut trouver HeLa dans de nombreux pays différents.

Modal verb 'can'.

4

HeLa is very important for making vaccines.

HeLa est très important pour fabriquer des vaccins.

Gerund 'making' as object of preposition.

5

The name HeLa comes from Henrietta Lacks.

Le nom HeLa vient de Henrietta Lacks.

Phrasal verb 'comes from'.

6

Scientists grow HeLa in special glass dishes.

Les scientifiques cultivent HeLa dans des boîtes en verre spéciales.

Transitive verb 'grow'.

7

HeLa cells are stronger than other cells.

Les cellules HeLa sont plus fortes que les autres cellules.

Comparative adjective 'stronger than'.

8

Without HeLa, we would not have the polio vaccine.

Sans HeLa, nous n'aurions pas le vaccin contre la polio.

Conditional 'would not have'.

1

Researchers discovered that HeLa cells could divide indefinitely.

Les chercheurs ont découvert que les cellules HeLa pouvaient se diviser indéfiniment.

Noun clause starting with 'that'.

2

The ethics of using HeLa cells are still debated today.

L'éthique de l'utilisation des cellules HeLa fait encore l'objet de débats aujourd'hui.

Subject-verb agreement with 'ethics'.

3

HeLa has been used in more than 70,000 scientific studies.

HeLa a été utilisé dans plus de 70 000 études scientifiques.

Present perfect passive.

4

The story of HeLa highlights the need for informed consent.

L'histoire de HeLa souligne la nécessité d'un consentement éclairé.

Abstract noun 'consent'.

5

HeLa cells are often used to test new cancer drugs.

Les cellules HeLa sont souvent utilisées pour tester de nouveaux médicaments contre le cancer.

Adverb 'often' placement.

6

Many people were surprised by the history of HeLa.

Beaucoup de gens ont été surpris par l'histoire de HeLa.

Passive voice with 'by'.

7

HeLa cells can contaminate other cultures if you are not careful.

Les cellules HeLa peuvent contaminer d'autres cultures si vous ne faites pas attention.

Conditional 'if' clause.

8

The Lacks family did not know about HeLa for many years.

La famille Lacks n'a pas été au courant pour HeLa pendant de nombreuses années.

Negative past simple.

1

The aggressive proliferation of HeLa cells makes them ideal for research.

La prolifération agressive des cellules HeLa les rend idéales pour la recherche.

Complex subject with prepositional phrases.

2

HeLa was the first human cell line to be successfully cloned.

HeLa a été la première lignée cellulaire humaine à être clonée avec succès.

Ordinal number 'first' with infinitive.

3

Contamination by HeLa cells has invalidated numerous experiments over the decades.

La contamination par les cellules HeLa a invalidé de nombreuses expériences au fil des décennies.

Present perfect with 'over the decades'.

4

The HeLa genome was sequenced to better understand its unique properties.

Le génome HeLa a été séquencé pour mieux comprendre ses propriétés uniques.

Purpose clause 'to better understand'.

5

Bioethicists often cite HeLa when discussing the commercialization of human tissue.

Les bioéthiciens citent souvent HeLa lorsqu'ils discutent de la commercialisation des tissus humains.

Participle phrase 'discussing...'.

6

The resilience of HeLa allowed it to survive even in harsh conditions.

La résilience de HeLa lui a permis de survivre même dans des conditions difficiles.

Object pronoun 'it' referring to the cell line.

7

Researchers must follow strict protocols when handling HeLa cultures.

Les chercheurs doivent suivre des protocoles stricts lors de la manipulation des cultures HeLa.

Modal of obligation 'must'.

8

HeLa cells have traveled to space to study the effects of zero gravity.

Les cellules HeLa ont voyagé dans l'espace pour étudier les effets de la gravité zéro.

Infinitive of purpose.

1

The HeLa cell line serves as a foundational model in molecular biology.

La lignée cellulaire HeLa sert de modèle fondamental en biologie moléculaire.

Stative verb 'serves as'.

2

Despite its utility, the use of HeLa is fraught with ethical complexities.

Malgré son utilité, l'utilisation de HeLa est semée de complexités éthiques.

Prepositional phrase 'Despite its utility'.

3

The aneuploid nature of HeLa cells contributes to their rapid growth.

La nature aneuploïde des cellules HeLa contribue à leur croissance rapide.

Technical adjective 'aneuploid'.

4

HeLa cells were instrumental in identifying the link between HPV and cervical cancer.

Les cellules HeLa ont joué un rôle déterminant dans l'identification du lien entre le HPV et le cancer du col de l'utérus.

Adjective 'instrumental' with preposition 'in'.

5

The Lacks family's struggle for recognition has reshaped modern bioethics.

La lutte de la famille Lacks pour la reconnaissance a remodelé la bioéthique moderne.

Possessive 'family's struggle'.

6

HeLa cells are notoriously difficult to eradicate once they contaminate a lab.

Les cellules HeLa sont notoirement difficiles à éradiquer une fois qu'elles contaminent un laboratoire.

Adverb 'notoriously' modifying an adjective.

7

The immortalization of HeLa is linked to the over-expression of telomerase.

L'immortalisation de HeLa est liée à la surexpression de la télomérase.

Passive construction with 'is linked to'.

8

Scholars analyze HeLa through the lens of critical race theory and medical history.

Les chercheurs analysent HeLa sous l'angle de la théorie critique de la race et de l'histoire de la médecine.

Metaphorical phrase 'through the lens of'.

1

The ubiquity of HeLa in biomedical research underscores its unparalleled scientific legacy.

L'ubiquité de HeLa dans la recherche biomédicale souligne son héritage scientifique sans précédent.

Transitive verb 'underscores'.

2

HeLa cells exhibit a remarkable capacity for epigenetic modification in response to environmental stimuli.

Les cellules HeLa présentent une capacité remarquable de modification épigénétique en réponse à des stimuli environnementaux.

Technical noun phrase 'epigenetic modification'.

3

The commercial exploitation of HeLa cells without compensation remains a contentious issue in legal circles.

L'exploitation commerciale des cellules HeLa sans compensation reste une question litigieuse dans les milieux juridiques.

Gerund phrase as subject.

4

HeLa's genomic landscape is characterized by extensive rearrangements and viral integration.

Le paysage génomique de HeLa est caractérisé par des réarrangements étendus et une intégration virale.

Metaphorical use of 'landscape'.

5

The narrative of HeLa serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of scientific progress.

Le récit de HeLa sert de rappel poignant du coût humain du progrès scientifique.

Adjective 'poignant' modifying 'reminder'.

6

Researchers must account for the specific metabolic profile of HeLa when interpreting experimental data.

Les chercheurs doivent tenir compte du profil métabolique spécifique de HeLa lors de l'interprétation des données expérimentales.

Phrasal verb 'account for'.

7

The proliferation of HeLa-derived cell lines has further complicated the taxonomy of immortalized cells.

La prolifération des lignées cellulaires dérivées de HeLa a encore compliqué la taxonomie des cellules immortalisées.

Compound adjective 'HeLa-derived'.

8

HeLa's contribution to the development of the Salk vaccine is a cornerstone of 20th-century medicine.

La contribution de HeLa au développement du vaccin Salk est une pierre angulaire de la médecine du XXe siècle.

Appositive phrase 'a cornerstone of...'.

자주 쓰는 조합

HeLa cell line
HeLa culture
HeLa contamination
immortal HeLa
HeLa-derived
HeLa research
grow HeLa
study HeLa
HeLa genome
HeLa assay

자주 쓰는 구문

The HeLa story

HeLa cells

HeLa-based research

Contaminated by HeLa

HeLa immortality

HeLa donor

HeLa protocol

HeLa lineage

HeLa ethics

HeLa standard

자주 혼동되는 단어

hela vs Hellas

The Greek name for Greece. Sounds similar but unrelated.

hela vs Healer

A person who heals. HeLa is a cell line, not a person.

hela vs Hel

The Norse goddess of the underworld. Unrelated.

관용어 및 표현

"The immortal life of HeLa"

A reference to the book title, used to describe the cells' lasting impact.

The immortal life of HeLa continues to influence science.

literary

"A HeLa moment"

A breakthrough or realization in science or ethics similar to the HeLa discovery.

Discovering this new gene was a real HeLa moment for the team.

informal/jargon

"HeLa's ghost"

The lingering ethical questions that haunt modern medicine.

We must address HeLa's ghost before we proceed with this trial.

metaphorical

"Spreading like HeLa"

Describing something that grows or spreads very aggressively and uncontrollably.

The rumor was spreading like HeLa through the department.

informal/jargon

"The HeLa legacy"

The combined scientific progress and ethical lessons from the cells.

The HeLa legacy is both inspiring and tragic.

neutral

"HeLa's gift"

The medical benefits humanity has received from these cells.

Many survivors owe their lives to HeLa's gift.

poetic

"A HeLa-sized problem"

A massive, complex issue involving both science and ethics.

The data privacy debate is a HeLa-sized problem.

informal

"In the shadow of HeLa"

Doing research while being mindful of the ethical mistakes of the past.

Modern researchers work in the shadow of HeLa.

metaphorical

"The HeLa standard"

Something that is universally used and recognized in a field.

This software has become the HeLa standard for our lab.

informal/jargon

"HeLa's children"

The many other cell lines and technologies that were made possible by HeLa.

Modern biotech products are all, in a way, HeLa's children.

metaphorical

혼동하기 쉬운

hela vs HEK 293

Both are common human cell lines.

HEK 293 comes from kidney cells; HeLa comes from cervical cancer cells.

Use HEK 293 for protein production and HeLa for cancer studies.

hela vs CHO

Both are immortalized cell lines.

CHO is from hamsters; HeLa is from humans.

CHO cells are better for large-scale manufacturing.

hela vs Stem Cells

Both can divide many times.

Stem cells can become different types of cells; HeLa cells are always cancer cells.

Stem cells are used for regeneration, while HeLa is used for testing.

hela vs Primary Cells

Both are human cells used in labs.

Primary cells die after a few divisions; HeLa cells live forever.

We compared the drug's effect on HeLa and primary cells.

hela vs Vero

Both are used to study viruses.

Vero cells come from monkeys; HeLa cells come from humans.

Vero cells are often used for vaccine production.

문장 패턴

A1

HeLa is [adjective].

HeLa is important.

A2

Scientists use HeLa to [verb].

Scientists use HeLa to study cancer.

B1

HeLa was taken from [person] in [year].

HeLa was taken from Henrietta Lacks in 1951.

B2

The [noun] of HeLa cells allows for [result].

The immortality of HeLa cells allows for long-term research.

C1

Despite [noun], HeLa remains [adjective].

Despite ethical concerns, HeLa remains a vital scientific tool.

C2

The [adjective] nature of HeLa underscores [concept].

The aneuploid nature of HeLa underscores the complexity of cancer genetics.

B1

If we didn't have HeLa, we wouldn't have [noun].

If we didn't have HeLa, we wouldn't have the polio vaccine.

B2

HeLa is often used as a [noun] for [process].

HeLa is often used as a model for viral replication.

어휘 가족

명사

동사

형용사

관련

사용법

frequency

Extremely common in biology and medicine; moderately common in ethics and history.

자주 하는 실수
  • Writing 'hela' or 'Hela' HeLa

    The word is a proper noun derived from Henrietta Lacks' name and follows a specific scientific capitalization.

  • Saying 'HeLa died in 1951' Henrietta Lacks died in 1951

    HeLa refers to the cells, which are still alive. Henrietta Lacks was the person.

  • Using 'HeLa' for any immortal cell Immortalized cell line

    HeLa is one specific line. Other lines have different names like HEK 293 or CHO.

  • Pluralizing as 'HeLas' HeLa cells

    HeLa is usually treated as an uncountable noun or an adjective modifying 'cells'.

  • Pronouncing it 'HELL-ah' HEE-lah

    The standard scientific pronunciation uses a long 'e' sound.

Proper Citation

When publishing research using HeLa, it is increasingly common and respectful to acknowledge Henrietta Lacks in your paper.

Avoid Contamination

Always handle HeLa cells in a separate hood if possible, as they are notorious for contaminating other cell lines.

Informed Consent

Use the HeLa story as a reminder to always ensure patients fully understand how their samples will be used in research.

Capitalization

Remember: HeLa. Big H, little e, Big L, little a. It's a specific acronym for a specific person.

Read the Book

For a full understanding of the word's weight, read 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' by Rebecca Skloot.

Clear Pronunciation

Practice saying 'HEE-lah' clearly so other scientists and students understand you immediately.

Context Matters

If you are writing for a non-science audience, always define HeLa the first time you use it.

Lab Jargon

In a lab, 'splitting the HeLa' means dividing the cell culture into new containers to give them more room to grow.

Visual Aids

Look at fluorescent images of HeLa cells online; they are often used in art because they are quite beautiful under a microscope.

Global Impact

Remember that HeLa has touched almost every part of modern medicine, from the flu shot to cancer drugs.

암기하기

기억법

Remember 'HE' for Henrietta and 'LA' for Lacks. She is the 'HE-ro' of 'LA-boratories'.

시각적 연상

Imagine a woman's name tag (Henrietta Lacks) being cut in half and placed on a microscope slide.

Word Web

Henrietta Lacks Immortal Cancer Lab Vaccine Ethics Consent Biology

챌린지

Try to explain the difference between 'HeLa' and 'Henrietta Lacks' to a friend in under 30 seconds.

어원

The word was coined in 1951 by George Gey, a researcher at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He followed a standard lab practice of naming cell cultures using the first two letters of the patient's first and last names.

원래 의미: It was originally just a lab code for the sample taken from Henrietta Lacks.

English (Scientific Neologism)

문화적 맥락

Always mention Henrietta Lacks when discussing the cells in a public or ethical forum to show respect for her contribution and the lack of consent.

In the US, HeLa is a major part of the curriculum for both science and history students.

The book 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' by Rebecca Skloot. The HBO movie starring Oprah Winfrey as Deborah Lacks. The 'HeLa' poem by various spoken word artists.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

In a biology lab

  • Passage the HeLa
  • HeLa medium
  • Contaminated by HeLa
  • HeLa assay

In an ethics class

  • Informed consent
  • The Lacks family
  • Medical exploitation
  • Ownership of cells

In a medical news report

  • Breakthrough using HeLa
  • HeLa-based study
  • Vaccine development
  • Cancer research

In a history book

  • 1951 discovery
  • George Gey
  • Johns Hopkins
  • The legacy of HeLa

In a genetics paper

  • HeLa genome
  • Viral integration
  • Chromosomal instability
  • HeLa transcriptome

대화 시작하기

"Have you ever read the book about Henrietta Lacks and the HeLa cells?"

"It's amazing how HeLa cells have been living for over seventy years, isn't it?"

"Do you think the Lacks family should receive money for the use of HeLa cells?"

"In your lab, do you use HeLa or a different cell line for your experiments?"

"How did the discovery of HeLa change the way we make vaccines?"

일기 주제

Reflect on the ethical implications of using someone's biological material without their knowledge, using HeLa as an example.

Imagine you are a scientist in 1951 discovering that HeLa cells are immortal. Write a journal entry about your findings.

How does the story of HeLa change your perspective on modern medical breakthroughs?

Write about the balance between scientific progress and individual rights in the context of the HeLa cell line.

If you could talk to Henrietta Lacks today about her cells, what would you say to her?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes, HeLa cells are still alive and dividing in laboratories all over the world. While Henrietta Lacks passed away in 1951, her cells continue to grow and are used for research every day.

In biology, 'immortal' means the cells can divide an infinite number of times. Most human cells stop dividing after about 50 times, but HeLa cells have an active enzyme called telomerase that prevents them from dying.

No, Henrietta Lacks was never paid, and her family did not know her cells were being used for decades. This has led to many legal and ethical debates about compensation and patient rights.

The most famous use was the development of the polio vaccine by Jonas Salk in the 1950s. HeLa cells were used to grow the virus and test the vaccine's effectiveness.

Yes, scientific supply companies like the ATCC sell HeLa cells to registered research institutions and laboratories for a fee, though the Lacks family has recently reached settlements regarding these sales.

HeLa cells are not dangerous to touch, but they are cancer cells. In a lab, they are handled with care to prevent contamination of other experiments and to ensure researcher safety.

Because they are so robust and grow so fast, a single HeLa cell can travel on a glove, a pipette, or even through the air and start growing in a different cell culture, eventually taking it over.

No, 'HeLa' is a lab code. The person's name was Henrietta Lacks. It is important to distinguish between the biological material (HeLa) and the human being (Henrietta).

She had a very aggressive form of cervical cancer. The cells from her tumor were the ones that became the HeLa cell line.

HeLa is used because it is a 'standard.' Since so much is already known about it, scientists can use it to compare their new results with decades of previous research.

셀프 테스트 180 질문

writing

Write a simple sentence about HeLa cells.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Who was Henrietta Lacks?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Why are HeLa cells called 'immortal'?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Explain one medical breakthrough that used HeLa cells.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Discuss the ethical problem with the origin of HeLa cells.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Analyze the impact of HeLa on modern bioethics.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

What do scientists use to see HeLa cells?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

What does the name HeLa stand for?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

How did the Lacks family find out about the cells?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

What is cell contamination in the context of HeLa?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

What role does telomerase play in HeLa cells?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

How does HeLa's genomic instability affect research results?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Are HeLa cells good for science?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Where can you find HeLa cells today?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

What is the title of the famous book about HeLa?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Why is HeLa a 'standard' in labs?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

How did HeLa help identify the cause of cervical cancer?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe the aneuploid nature of HeLa cells.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

What would happen if HeLa cells stopped growing?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Is it okay to sell HeLa cells?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'HeLa cells are in the lab.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'HeLa comes from Henrietta Lacks.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'HeLa cells are immortal.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'HeLa contamination is a problem.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'HeLa cells express telomerase.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'HeLa is a synecdoche for bioethics.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'I see HeLa.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'HeLa helps us.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'The HeLa story is sad.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'HeLa is a human cell line.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'HeLa cells are aneuploid.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'HeLa's legacy is unparalleled.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'HeLa is small.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'HeLa is famous.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'HeLa cells divide fast.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'HeLa is used in oncology.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'HeLa was taken in 1951.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'HeLa is a foundational tool.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Consent is important for HeLa.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'HeLa cells are resilient.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'HeLa is a cell.' What is it?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'HeLa comes from Henrietta.' Who?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'HeLa cells live forever.' How long?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'HeLa contamination is bad.' What is bad?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'HeLa has telomerase.' What does it have?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'HeLa is aneuploid.' What is the term?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'HeLa is in the lab.' Where?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'HeLa is from 1951.' What year?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'HeLa helped with polio.' What disease?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'HeLa is epithelial.' What type?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'HeLa was taken without consent.' Was there consent?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'HeLa is a synecdoche.' What is it?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'HeLa is famous.' Is it famous?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'HeLa cells grow fast.' How do they grow?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'The Lacks family found out.' Who found out?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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