The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks: Movie Guide

What is special about the HeLa cell strain?

• It is the first immortal human cell line.

• It is resistant to all known diseases.

• It can only be used in cancer research.

• It was discovered in the 21st century.

HeLa cells have helped treat which of the following diseases?

• Cancer

• Diabetes

• Alzheimer's

• Parkinson's

Henrietta Lacks is called “immortal” because:

• her cells can divide indefinitely outside the body.

• she lived for over 100 years.

• she discovered a cure for cancer.

• her story is immortalized in a book.

Rebecca Skloot’s background and Dr. Patillo's skepticism about her conducting the investigation into Henrietta Lacks is due to:

• Her lack of scientific background

• Her previous controversial publications

• Her being an outsider to the Lacks family

• Her inexperience in medical research

Skloot became interested in Henrietta Lacks because:

• She read about her in a scientific journal.

• She heard about her from a friend.

• She discovered her story while researching cancer.

• She learned about her in a college class.

Deborah reacts to Skloot suggesting she share her mother’s story at first, and then the second time by:

• Being enthusiastic at first, then hesitant the second time

• Being hesitant at first, then enthusiastic the second time

• Being indifferent both times

• Being enthusiastic both times

Summarize how the Lacks family feels about what happened to their mother and the doctors at Johns Hopkins who took Henrietta’s cells.

• The Lacks family feels grateful for the scientific advancements made possible by their mother's cells.

• The Lacks family feels exploited and hurt by the unauthorized use of their mother's cells.

• The Lacks family is indifferent to the use of their mother's cells by the doctors.

• The Lacks family feels proud of their mother's contribution to science.

What does Deborah make Skloot promise her about her book?

• To include all the scientific details

• To tell the truth about Henrietta's story

• To dedicate the book to her family

• To publish the book within a year

What was really happening when the Asian scientist from Hopkins came to the Lacks’s house?

• The scientist was conducting a routine visit.

• The scientist was there to collect more samples.

• The scientist was lost and needed directions.

• The scientist was delivering a lecture.

10. What does Deborah think is being done to the HeLa cells? What does Skloot do that upsets her?

• Deborah thinks the HeLa cells are being used for unethical experiments; Skloot writes about it without her consent.

• Deborah believes the HeLa cells are being destroyed; Skloot sells them for profit.

• Deborah is unaware of the HeLa cells' existence; Skloot informs her abruptly.

• Deborah thinks the HeLa cells are being used for cancer research; Skloot ignores her concerns.