Henrietta Lacks Ch.1-4 MC Quiz

What is the scientific importance of the HeLa cells?

• They proved the existence of evolution

• They allowed us to create clones

• They helped us to cure cancer

• All of the above

• They have proved the basis for many medical advancements in the 20th century

Answer explanation

A is incorrect because the existence of evolution was proved by Charles Darwin. B is incorrect because while HeLa Cells have HELPED us better understand the science of cloning, we still have a long way to go. C is incorrect because there is currently no cure for cancer. Unfortunately, people can still die from this disease. Logically speaking, the answer choice can't be D, leaving the best answer choice to be E.

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How does Skloot establish ethos in the prologue?

• All of the above

• Skloot provides personal anecdotes and a genuine curiosity about Henrietta Lacks' personal history

• Skloot acknowledges her privilege as a white woman 

• Skloot states that she spent more than a decade researching information about HeLa and the woman behind it

• Skloot has a degree in biological sciences

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Why does Skloot take the time to describe in detail every step that Mary goes through as she preserves Henrietta’s cells? (ch.4)

• Skloot does this to further establish her credibility to the audience by demonstrating to the audience her extensive knowledge of both Henrietta's personal life and the scientific world. 

• Skloot's purpose is to expose to the audience the inhumanity Henrietta endured in the name of medical research. By doing this, she creates a deep sense of rage amongst the audience in order to get them to critically evaluate medical institutions.

• This allows her to clearly explain the process of cell culturing while also increasing the suspense of the narrative (even though we basically already know the outcome).

• Skloot provides these details to create a sense of sympathy for Mary. By doing this, readers understand that not every one in the medical community were opportunistic. 

• Skloot wants the audience to realize that it was in fact a woman who is responsible for the discovery of the immortal cells known as HeLa. 

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In chapter 4, Skloot shifts from talking about the HeLa cells to Henrietta's story. Why does she create this shift?

• Skloot's purpose is to create a sense of suspense to further entertain her audience.

• Skloot wants her audience to understand how unlikely it was that scientists would grow an immortal cell line—and therefore how amazing and rare HeLa is.

• Skloot wants to actively remind her readers that the success of Gey and his team came at the cost of Henrietta’s health.

• Skloot wants to humanize the researchers who created HeLa in order to reveal the nuance of this story.

• Skloot's purpose is to reveal to the audience that medicine both hinders and heals.

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Consider how Skloot characterizes TeLinde and Gey in chapter 3+4. Why does Skloot spend time characterizing these doctors in this way?

• Skloot's purpose is to highlight to the audience the extent of the doctor's complicity in the unjust that was done to the Lacks family

• Skloot's purpose is to enhance the audience's understanding by providing details on some of the major players in this story.

• Skloot's purpose is to establish her credibility as someone who is dedicated and committed in bringing justice for the Lacks family. Doing so creates a sense of trust between her and the audience. 

• Skloot's purpose is to expose to the audience the complexity and humanity on both sides of this story. Doing so makes it harder for the audience to pick sides.

• All of the above

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