The Official K Chronicles and (Th)ink Website

Discussion (6) ¬

1. 
   Eric Francis

   February 11, 2010 at 7:32 pm | #

   Actually – He La cells were distinct because they were immortal; as long as they are sustained and fed, they do not die. This is true of many cancer cells, which have their [normal] cell suicide program disabled. This is one reason why cancer is deadly. It is estimated that enough He La cells have been grown so far to exceed her body weight. This whole incident is covered in the book Sex and the Origins of Death, as well as on other websites — including Henrietta’s wiki page.

   – Eric Francis, referred by Tom Tomorrow.
2. 
   Greg

   February 12, 2010 at 2:53 am | #

   You really are a prominent Black Historian Keith, the amount of history – African American History I learn from your reading work, it’s like I’m taking a class! Maybe you should consider becoming a professor when you retire from the comic strip business. At any rate, I’m sure all of the historical figures (both black and white – pun intended) you have paid tribute to over the years, and seemingly brought back to life, really appreciate you!
3. 
   mholsen

   February 12, 2010 at 8:56 pm | #

   To clarify Eric Francis’s comment. The HeLa line were not the first to reproduce on their own. Many cells had been cultured, including cander cells. The HeLa line was the first not to become non-viable after a few dozen generations. Cancer cells do indeed have their cell suicide programs disabled, as EF says, but they still can’t repair themselves in each generation. The HeLa line can do that. A few other such lines have been discovered since, and we now can create them with recombinant DNA techniques, but for some decades HeLa stood alone, and thousands of scientists built research careers around the line.
4. 
   Indiana Art

   February 15, 2010 at 11:15 am | #

   Just discovered this site. I’m a cartoonist myself.
   Nice caricature and tidbits of info on Henrietta Lacks. Way to kick start Black History Month. :)

   -Flea
   Fleabeemedia.com
5. 
   Gabrielle

   January 5, 2011 at 3:03 pm | #

   I don’t get it, it doesn’t have anything to do with the fact that she’s black, but still very well done, and amusing.
   I personally don’t care that Henrietta was black, just that she did so much for science in general.
6. 
   shakena

   May 26, 2011 at 6:53 am | #

   ii dont get that the point they didnt ask her for her permission to sell and use her cells but at the end of the day it make a good cost………………