What is the difference between HeLa and CHO cells?

The HeLa cell line is classified as an immortal cell line because they can proliferate indefinitely, do not die after a set number of cell divisions and can be cultured for extensive periods of time. This cell line was originally derived from cervical cancer cells taken from Henrietta Lacks on February 8, 1951. They are the oldest and most frequently used cell line in scientific research.

The CHO cell line is an epithelial cell line derived from the ovary of Chinese hamsters. It has been used in biological and medical research since 1919, and in the commercial production of therapeutic recombinant proteins. CHO cells have found wide use in other notable research areas including genetics, gene expression and toxicity screening.