Induction of hemosome formation and hemoglobin biosynthesis in HeLa cells.

Tissue cultures of HeLa cells in Hank's medium suspension, previously mixed with a solution containing reticulocyte polysomes and/or free globin, hemoglobin and blood plasma from bled rabbits, were homogenized, and an electrophoretic pattern of hemoglobin band was obtained from the supernatant; hemoglobin denatures under the tissue culture conditions. HeLa cells show typical hemosomes, identidical to those found in immature erythrocytes of embryos, and adult mammals with hemolytic anemias. When HeLa cell suspensions are mixed with solutions void of anemic blood plasma, or containing normal rabbit blood plasma, anomalous organelles are formed in the cells, and no hemoglobin biosynthesis occurs.