HeLa cells typically have between 76 and 80 chromosomes.
HeLa cells are known to be hypertriploid, meaning they have more than the normal three sets of chromosomes. Unlike normal human cells, which have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs), HeLa cells have an abnormal chromosome number.
Chromosome Count in HeLa Cells
| Cell Type | Typical Chromosome Number | Abnormal Chromosomes |
|---|---|---|
| HeLa Cells | 76-80 | 22-25 |
| Normal Human Cells | 46 | 0 |
As the table shows, HeLa cells contain a total of 76 to 80 chromosomes, including 22 to 25 abnormal ones. This large number of chromosomes and their aberrations are a result of the cancerous nature of the cell line. This abnormality contributes to the cells' rapid proliferation and other unique characteristics.
The variation within the 76-80 range highlights the genetic instability of the HeLa cell line, leading to differing chromosome numbers in individual cells within a population. The presence of abnormal chromosomes contributes further to the unique characteristics of these cells.
