ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the fundamental processes that govern the dynamics of the specific bond formation. It evaluates the rate constants for encounter complex formation and the rate constants for ligand-receptor binding. Expressions for the rate constants in terms of fundamental properties of the system, such as diffusion coefficients, temperature, and membrane viscosity, provide insight into how these parameters affect the kinetics and results in a better understanding of the ligand-receptor bond formation process. While the prospect of considering several types of mobility suggests a complex problem, considerable simplicity is introduced by only considering the rate-limiting process. A cell adhering in a specific manner to a surface is reported to have a greater area in surface contact than a similar cell adhering in a nonspecific manner. The chapter outlines the effects of removal forces on cell adhesion and the role of increased bond number or cytoskeletal involvement on cell adhesion. It uses a consistent nomenclature to avoid dual use of symbols.
