What type of cells are HeLa cells?

HeLa cells are a specific line of human epithelial cells that were derived from cervical cancer cells taken from Henrietta Lacks in 1951. They are known for their remarkable ability to proliferate indefinitely in culture, making them an invaluable resource for medical and biological research. HeLa cells are used in various studies, including cancer research, vaccine development, and cell biology, because they retain many of the properties of the original human epithelial cells from which they were derived.

The relevance of the other options is significant in understanding the context. Animal cells are indeed a broader category that includes HeLa cells, but specifying them as human epithelial cells conveys their precise origin and function. Plant cells and prokaryotic cells are entirely different in structure and biological function. Plant cells contain chloroplasts and a rigid cell wall, distinguishing them from animal cells. Prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria, lack a nucleus and are fundamentally different from eukaryotic cells like HeLa cells, which do have a true nucleus. Understanding this context clarifies the uniqueness of HeLa cells as human epithelial cells.