Genetic information determines the composition of molecules comprising cytoskeletal elements, membranes and receptors. The supramolecular arrangement of these components represents a self-assembly process controlled by physicochemical and mechanical interactions. This general hypothesis demarcates the aim of studying cellular mechanics. Description and evaluation of mechanical properties of cells and their organelles, as well as of the forces exerted by them, is the scope of this book on Cytomechanics. Emphasis is laid on the role of mechanical properties in the generation of shape and cytoplasmic motion, and on the basic principles and components determining mechanical properties.

This volume and its companion volume 360 introduce a new topic to the Methods in Enzymology series. They will cover, among other topics, imaging, screening, and diagnosis in biological systems. See key features for greater detail. Key Features* Optical instrumentation for imaging, screening and diagnosis in molecules, tissues, and cells* Development and application of optical probes and techniques for imaging and drug screening, protemics, genomics, and cellomics* Applications of biophotonics research to the understanding of mechanisms of cellular reactions and processes, investigating the structure and dynamics of biomolecular systems, screening and drug discovery, and diagnosis and treatment of disease

Tissue Repair, Contraction and the Myofibroblast summarizes the latest findings concerning the biology of the myofibroblast, a cell involved in the evolution and contraction of granulation tissue and of fibrotic changes. Coverage shows that the myofibroblast is responsible for the development of hypertrophic scars, pulmonary and renal fibrosis and bronchial asthma. Reviews the cell biology and pathology of the myofibroblast as well as mechanisms of fibrosis evolution in many organs and tissues.

There are virtually hundreds of life scientists publishing hundreds of papers a year on numerous aspects of the cell cycle. The following are few of the topics covered: cell membrane organization, membrane components, cytoskeleton and associated proteins, cell motility, actin in dividing cells, surface modulating assemblies, microfilaments, microtubules, cleavage furrow, fusion, etc. In all these topics, lifescientists talk about, among others, the forces within the system, the motion within the system and the failure of the system. The concepts of force, motion and failure are, one way or another, all related to the structure of the cell and to the mechanics of the cell activities. When the concepts of mechanics and structure enter the problem then one has to talk about biomechanics; in this case, biomechanics of cytology which we would like to call "Cytbmechanics". However, a review of the journals, books and conference proceedings related to various aspects of cytology reveals that mechanicians have not yet entered the field of cytology at a noticeable level. Some lifescientists have indeed made use of the general principles of mechanics in their works; however, no truly interdisciplinary publication has yet appeared from the collaboration of mechanicians and lifescientists in the field of, for instance, cell division.

Cytomechanics is the application of the classical principles of mechanics in cell biology. It is an applied science concerned with the description and evaluation of mechanical properties of cells and their organelles as well as of the forces exerted by them. Thus, this topic needs a truly interdisciplinary approach, and accordingly this volume gives an up-to-date account of the current research done on cell division, mitosis, cytokinesis, cell locomotion and cell deformation during normal development and the cytoskeletal role in cell shape. Biologists, biomechanicians, biophysicists, biochemists and biomathematicians here discuss the basic concepts of mechanics and thermodynamics, emphasizing their applicability to cell activities.

This book focuses on the biophysical aspects of tip growth: How do physical parameters like pressure, water potential, electrical fields, or ion currents contribute to and influence this specialized and highly dynamic form of cell growth? It provides an updated and balanced overview of the current state of knowledge and future research perspectives regarding how pollen tubes’ growth is driven and regulated by molecular interactions underlying the cellular processes. The individual chapters address topics ranging from molecular biophysical concepts to comprehensive omic studies and computational modeling of the tip growth process. In addition, a chapter on root hair cells is included to provide an alternative view on the underlying molecular principles of tip growth in general. Each chapter provides a summary of cutting-edge techniques, results and experimental data; a statement, hypothesis or conclusion on the importance of the aspect described for tip growth, particularly pollen tip growth; and addresses open gaps in our understanding and potential approaches to remedying them. The book offers experimental and theoretical solutions to help established researchers and newcomers to the field alike solve the many mysterious behaviors of pollen tube tips.