What is so important about the cells in the HeLo cell culture? What book was written about this person? Solution Ans. HeLa cells are cancerous cells isolated from cervical cancer biopsy sample of Henrieta Lacks. It is the most widely used human cell lines for research purpose in the field of drug testing (John Salks tested polio vaccine on HeLa cells, 1950), cellular processes, mechanism of viral pathogenesis, and almost all other aspects. It has benn distributed to every corner of the world. Due to its extensive use, and its fast-growing (cancerous) nature, the cell line is also said to be ‘immortal. The book on Her: \'The Immortal Henrietta Lacks\' by Rebecca Skloot.