what does a cheek epithelial cell do?

Question

in science -human body

Answer 1

It's a liner and a covering, so it does all those protective functions just like skin does. In fact, if you trace from the outside of your face, over your lips, and into your mouth, you can easily see that it's a continuous surface.

Answer 2

It's also a convenient source of DNA (cheek cells scrape off easily and are quickly replaced and the process isn't invasive lie using a needle). That's why for forensics they swab the insides of peoples mouths to take DNA samples (watch CSI, for instance).