Abstract: The biomechanics of plant cells plays an important role in the study of the life sciences. This paper reviews the recent developments in the biomechanics studies of plant cells and the general theories applied in the mechanical analyses. The mechanical models of the plant cell and tissue are introduced. Recent researches into rheological characteristics and adhesiveness of plant cells, the effects of environmental stress, and the mechanical properties of rice stems are discussed. The paper presents the development tendency and practical prospects of plant cells in biomechanics such as contact and osmosis between cells; the responses of roots, stems and leaves to environmental stress; and stress transfer and distribution in the cell under external loads.

Key words: Plant cell, Basic law, Mechanical model, Rheological characteristic, Adhesiveness, Stress effect