# Henrietta Lacks > American woman whose cancer cells are the source of the HeLa cell line (1920–1951) **Wikidata**: [Q1647793](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1647793) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henrietta_Lacks) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/henrietta-lacks ## Summary Henrietta Lacks was an American woman whose cancer cells, taken without her knowledge, became the source of the HeLa cell line, one of the most important medical tools in history. Despite her brief life (1920-1951), her cells have contributed to countless medical breakthroughs, including the development of the polio vaccine and cancer research, making her an unintentional yet pivotal figure in medical science. ## Biography - Born: August 1, 1920 - Nationality: American - Citizenship: United States - Education: Not specified in source material - Known for: Being the source of the HeLa cell line - Occupation: Farmworker, homemaker - Field(s): Medical research (indirect contribution through her cells) - Death: October 4, 1951 ## Contributions Henrietta Lacks' primary contribution to science was unintentional—her cancer cells were the source of the HeLa cell line, which has become one of the most widely used biological research tools in the world. While she did not conduct research herself, her cells have enabled significant medical advances including the development of the polio vaccine, cancer research, gene mapping, and in vitro fertilization techniques. The HeLa cell line is the first immortal human cell line, capable of continuous division in laboratory conditions, making it invaluable for scientific research. ## FAQs What is the HeLa cell line? The HeLa cell line is a continuously reproducing cell line derived from the cervical cancer cells of Henrietta Lacks. It was the first immortal human cell line ever discovered and has been instrumental in countless medical and biological research projects since the 1950s. How did Henrietta Lacks' cells contribute to medical research? Lacks' cells, taken during medical treatment without her knowledge or consent, became the first human cells to be successfully cultured in a laboratory and could reproduce indefinitely. This unique property made them invaluable for medical research, contributing to developments including the polio vaccine, cancer research, and gene mapping. What recognition has Henrietta Lacks received? Henrietta Lacks was posthumously inducted into the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame, which recognizes significant achievements by women who are Maryland natives or state residents. A statue commemorating her was also erected in her honor. What was Henrietta Lacks' occupation? Henrietta Lacks worked as both a farmworker, hired to work on farms for the owners, and a homemaker, whose main occupation was running and managing her family's home. ## Why They Matter Henrietta Lacks matters because of her posthumous and unintentional contribution to medical science through the HeLa cell line, which has enabled decades of research that has saved countless lives. Her cells were essential to developing the polio vaccine, understanding cancer mechanisms, advancing gene research, and contributing to space biology. Without her unique cellular characteristics, modern medicine would lack one of its most fundamental research tools, potentially slowing medical progress by decades. Her story has also sparked important ethical discussions about patient rights, informed consent, and medical ethics. ## Notable For - Source of the HeLa cell line, the first immortal human cell line ever discovered - Inductee into the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame - Subject of the book "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot - Her cells have been used in thousands of medical studies since the 1950s - One of the most important figures in medical history despite never knowing her cells were being used for research ## Body ### Early Life Henrietta Lacks was born on August 1, 1920, in the United States. During her life, she worked primarily as a farmworker, a hired agricultural worker who worked for farm owners, and also as a homemaker, a family member whose main occupation was running or managing the family's home. She lived as an American citizen in the United States, which is located primarily in North America. ### Medical Context Lacks received medical treatment for cervical cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. During treatment, samples of her cancerous tissue were taken without her knowledge or consent. These samples contained cells that possessed a unique characteristic—they could reproduce continuously in laboratory conditions, unlike other human cells which died after a few divisions. ### The HeLa Cell Line The cells taken from Henrietta Lacks became known as the HeLa cell line, derived from the first two letters of her first and last names. This was the first immortal human cell line ever discovered and has been instrumental in medical research ever since. The cells were shared among scientists and have been used in countless studies across various fields of medicine and biology. ### Legacy and Recognition Though Henrietta Lacks died on October 4, 1951, at just 31 years old, her cells have continued to "live" in laboratories worldwide, contributing to medical breakthroughs for decades. Her legacy has grown beyond scientific circles, leading to greater awareness of medical ethics, patient rights, and informed consent. She was posthumously inducted into the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame, which recognizes significant achievements by women who are Maryland natives or state residents. The story of Henrietta Lacks has inspired various forms of recognition, including the erection of a statue in her honor and the publication of Rebecca Skloot's bestselling book "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," which brought her story to public attention. Her unique contribution to science has made her an important figure in medical history, despite her brief life and lack of direct involvement in research. Her cells, known by the identifier LHR8-882, continue to be used in laboratories worldwide, contributing to advances in medicine, genetics, and virology. The HeLa cell line remains one of the most important tools in biological research, having been used in studies that led to the development of the polio vaccine, cancer research, gene mapping, and many other medical advancements. ## References 1. [The Immortal Life of Dr. Roland Pattillo. The Nation. 2023](https://www.thenation.com/article/society/roland-pattillo-henrietta-lacks-obituary/) 2. [Source](https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/educ/exhibits/womenshall/html/whflist.html) 3. International Standard Name Identifier 4. Virtual International Authority File 5. [Source](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/henriettalacks/) 6. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 7. Find a Grave 8. BnF authorities 9. Who Named It? 10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 11. IdRef 12. CONOR.SI 13. Quora 14. [Source](https://facebook.com/groups/709410852896325?view=permalink&id=736757093495034)