HeLa Cell Counts for 100% Confluent Plates

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In summary, the conversation discusses estimating the number of HeLa cells on a 100% confluent plate. There is no reliable way to give an exact number due to variations in cell lines and growth conditions. The best way to determine the number is to manually count them or use a computer program. Daily examination of the plates can also reveal any potential contamination.
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eab
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i was just wondering if anybody out there had a good guess as to how many HeLa cells were on a 100% confluent, say, 100mm plate (any size would do). my guess would be between 750,000 to 2 million? depending on how dense they get. what would you think 70% would be? does anyone have any numbers for plates this confluency that were counted/sorted?
 
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eab said:
i was just wondering if anybody out there had a good guess as to how many HeLa cells were on a 100% confluent, say, 100mm plate (any size would do). my guess would be between 750,000 to 2 million? depending on how dense they get. what would you think 70% would be? does anyone have any numbers for plates this confluency that were counted/sorted?

there is no way to give a reliable number.

there is just too much variation between cell lines (even if they are all HeLa cells), how many times the cells have been passaged, and your particular growth conditions.

you just have to get down and dirty and count them. you can do it the traditional way with a foot tapper and microscope, or there are computer programs that will count pixels for you.

if you are suspecting contamination, it should be evident if you examine the plates daily.
 
  • #3


It is difficult to give an accurate estimate without knowing the specific conditions and methods used for culturing the HeLa cells. However, based on previous studies, a 100% confluent 100mm plate could contain anywhere from 750,000 to 2 million cells, as you mentioned. The actual number may vary depending on the growth rate and density of the cells. As for a 70% confluent plate, it could potentially have around 500,000 to 1.4 million cells. It would be helpful to have more information on the specific techniques and protocols used for culturing the cells in order to provide a more precise estimate. Perhaps someone with experience in working with HeLa cells at different confluency levels could share their observations and numbers for comparison.
 

FAQ: HeLa Cell Counts for 100% Confluent Plates

What are HeLa cells and why are they important in scientific research?

HeLa cells are a type of human cell line that was first isolated from a cervical tumor of a woman named Henrietta Lacks in 1951. They are important in scientific research because they are immortal, meaning they can continually divide and replicate, making them a valuable tool for studying cell biology, genetics, and diseases.

How are HeLa cell counts performed for 100% confluent plates?

To perform HeLa cell counts for 100% confluent plates, the cells are first trypsinized to detach them from the plate. Then, a small sample of cells is taken and diluted in a solution. The diluted cells are then counted under a microscope using a hemocytometer to determine the total number of cells in the sample. This number is then multiplied by the dilution factor to calculate the total number of cells in the original sample, which represents the cell count for the 100% confluent plate.

What does it mean for a plate to be 100% confluent?

A plate is considered 100% confluent when the entire surface area is covered with cells and there is no visible empty space. This means that the cells have grown and divided to their maximum capacity and are in contact with each other, forming a continuous layer.

Why is it important to have 100% confluent plates for HeLa cell counts?

Having 100% confluent plates is important for accurate HeLa cell counts because it ensures that all the cells present in the sample are accounted for. If there are empty spaces on the plate, the cell count will be lower and may not accurately reflect the total number of cells in the sample. Additionally, 100% confluent plates are necessary for conducting experiments that require a consistent and high number of cells.

Are there any factors that can affect HeLa cell counts for 100% confluent plates?

Yes, there are several factors that can affect HeLa cell counts for 100% confluent plates. These include variations in cell growth rates, differences in cell culture techniques, and experimental errors such as inaccurate pipetting or contamination. It is important to carefully follow standardized protocols and take multiple measurements to ensure accurate and reliable cell counts.

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