SFT stands for Surface Film Tension.
Surface film tension is a crucial aspect of cell biology and plays a significant role in various cellular processes. It refers to the force that exists at the interface between a liquid and another medium, such as air or another liquid.
In biological systems, the surface film tension is primarily influenced by the presence of lipids, proteins, and other molecules that make up the cell membrane. These molecules arrange themselves in a specific manner to create a stable barrier that separates the cell's internal environment from the external surroundings.
The surface film tension affects various cellular functions, including:
- Cell shape and movement: The tension at the cell surface influences its shape and ability to move.
- Cellular adhesion and interactions: The surface tension contributes to the adhesion of cells to each other and to the extracellular matrix.
- Transport of molecules: The surface tension can affect the movement of molecules across the cell membrane.
Understanding surface film tension is crucial for comprehending the complex processes that occur within cells and for developing new therapeutic strategies targeting cellular functions.
