Structural approach of cytoskeletal mechanics: cellular solid vs tensegrity model

To describe the relationship between shape and rigidity of cultured cells, we attempt to figure out the similarities and discrepancies in geometrical and mechanical behaviors between a continuous cellular solid and a tensegri ty structure. The rigidity of the structure is characterized by elementary bending in cellular solid and a spatial rearrangement of the elements in te nsegrity model. This spatial reorganization tends to decrease the scale fac tor influence in tensegrity model. This factor has a major effect in cellul ar solid model in spite of the lack of internal tension. (C) 2000 Academie des sciences/Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.