Chapter - Mechanics of Living Cells - General Aspects

Mechanics of Living Cells - General Aspects

Author(s): Eyal Ginesin, Kamal Hamoud and Nahum Rosenberg

Pp: 3-12 (10)

* (Excluding Mailing and Handling)

Abstract

Eukaryotic cells contain specific structural segments that determine the cellular biomechanical characteristics, with the aid of numerous molecular structures. Cell mechanics is mostly determined by the cytoskeleton dynamics in coordination with the extra- and intra-cellular milieu. Cells can sense mechanical forces and, by signalling system, convert them to biological response through mechanotransduction pathways. Cells of mesenchymal origin are specially sensitive and responsive to mechanical forces because they are involved in building of the biomechanically efficient tissues for force propagation.

Keywords: Actin, adhesion molecules, cell migration, fluid shear, intermediate filaments, microtubules.

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