Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are a type of epithelial-like cells that are derived from the ovary of the Chinese hamster. Epithelial cells are cells that line the surfaces and cavities of the body, and they are characterized by their ability to form sheets and layers.
CHO cells are adherent cells, meaning that they attach to the surfaces of cell culture vessels and grow as a monolayer. They are widely used in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries for the production of recombinant proteins, due to their ability to express and secrete high levels of proteins, their relatively simple culture requirements, and their stability and genetic uniformity.
In addition to CHO cells, there are many other types of epithelial cells that are used in biotechnology and medical research, including HeLa cells, Vero cells, and MDCK cells, among others. Each of these cell lines has its own unique properties and characteristics that make it well-suited for specific applications.