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Abstract
Experiments in which two specifically interacting protein molecules are dissociated
by external force have yielded new insights into mechanisms involved in cell adhesion,
leukocyte rolling, regulation of integrin activity, antigen-antibody interactions
and other protein-mediated reactions contingent upon molecular recognition. Another
important aspect of force-induced protein-protein unbinding studies is the new information
being gleaned about the thermodynamics and kinetics of bond rupture.