We present a direct optical observation of the behavior of the contact area between a living cell (Dictyostelium discoideum) and a solid substrate under shear flow. It is shown that the membrane is peeled off the substrate. The relationship between the peeling velocity and the applied force is obtained experimentally and explained from the behavior of individual adhesion bridges. The dissipation occurring during the peeling process is explicitly calculated in terms of out-of-equilibrium thermodynamics.

• Received 27 November 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.89.108101