Force between biological surfaces

Abstract

This article is concerned with the physical chemistry of the processes that occur when living cells approach and contact a surface, either a non-living surface or that of another cell. By its terms of reference, the coverage is selective rather than thorough, focussing on questions with which the author has been concerned and attempting to identify current major physical chemical issues. A good deal is now known of biological membrane composition and of the biological role of cell surface molecules. Detailed, specific, quantitative understanding of the physical chemistry of their interactions is now needed if we are to understand the way in which their biological recognition and adhesion functions operate. Some important questions have been addressed in this manner, and recent advances in physical techniques and physical and biological understanding now make it possible to address many more questions at an appropriate level of quantitative detail.