ABSTRACT
Continuum models of biological membranes are able to describe long lengthscale processes where molecular features can be reduced to their effects on continuum parameters, for example, elastic constants. This chapter discusses the various perspectives on membrane continuum modeling prevalent in research, primarily, the Helfrich treatment that targets curvature, and engineering methodology based on the theory of thin plates. Special attention is paid to how spontaneous curvature is represented in each model. A selection of key processes are briefly discussed that make use of the concepts discussed, including processes at the limit of continuum applicability.
