Experimental approaches used to quantify physical parameters at cellular and subcellular levels.

Area of Science:

• Cellular mechanics
• Biophysics
• Plant cell biology

Background:

• Plant and hyphal cells exhibit greater structural complexity than animal cells due to additional components.
• The cell wall and turgor pressure provide plant and hyphal cells with exoskeleton-like and hydroskeleton-like functions, respectively.
• Understanding cellular mechanics is crucial for comprehending cell function and development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review experimental methods for quantifying physical properties of plant and hyphal cells.
• To provide an overview of techniques used to measure turgor pressure and cell wall mechanics.
• To explore methods for characterizing cytoskeletal elements and cellular force generation.

Main Methods:

• Experimental approaches for measuring turgor pressure.
• Techniques for determining plant cell wall mechanical properties at the subcellular level.
• Methods for characterizing cytoskeletal element physical properties and cellular force generation.

Main Results:

• A variety of experimental methods exist to quantify the physical properties of plant and hyphal cells.
• Specific techniques are detailed for measuring turgor pressure and cell wall mechanics.
• The review highlights methods applicable to cytoskeletal elements and cellular force generation.

Conclusions:

• Plant and hyphal cells have unique mechanical properties owing to their cell walls and turgor pressure.
• A diverse toolkit of experimental methods is available for studying these properties.
• The review encourages the adoption of existing techniques for plant cell research and force measurement.