What is the term for the bonding of cells to surfaces or to other cells?

Cell adhesion refers to the process by which cells attach or bind to other cells or to the extracellular matrix. This bonding is critical for various biological functions, including tissue stability, immune response, and cellular communication. In multicellular organisms, cell adhesion is essential for forming tissues and organs, allowing cells to work together effectively. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are proteins located on the cell surface that mediate this attachment and play significant roles in signaling pathways that can influence cell behavior.

In contrast, cell division pertains to the process by which a single cell divides to produce two daughter cells, an essential part of growth and development but not specifically related to the bonding of cells to one another or to surfaces. Tissue formation involves the assembly of cells into organized structures, which relies heavily on cell adhesion, but the term itself encompasses more than just the bonding process. Cellular differentiation refers to the process by which a cell changes from one cell type to another, often becoming more specialized, which is distinct from the adhesion aspect. Thus, the correct term that specifically addresses the bonding of cells is cell adhesion.