Cell mechanics: Mechanical response, cell adhesion, and molecular deformation

As the basic unit of life, the cell is a biologically complex system, the u nderstanding of which requires a combination of various approaches includin g biomechanics. With recent progress in cell and molecular biology, the fie ld of cell mechanics has grown rapidly over the last few years. This review synthesizes some of these recent developments to foster new concepts and a pproaches, and it emphasizes molecular-level understanding. The focuses are on the common themes and interconnections in three related areas: (a) the responses of cells to mechanical forces, (b) the mechanics and kinetics of cell adhesion, and (c) the deformation of biomolecules. Specific examples a re also given to illustrate the quantitative modeling used in analyzing bio logical processes and physiological functions.