Which statement is true regarding mechanical strain applied to tissue constructs?

The statement regarding mechanical strain applied to tissue constructs that is true is that it can lead to regulatory changes in tissue properties. Mechanical strain is known to influence various cellular behaviors, including gene expression, protein synthesis, and cellular morphology. When tissue constructs are subjected to mechanical strain, cells often respond by altering their activity to better adapt to the mechanical environment, which can result in enhanced tissue properties such as increased strength or improved organization.

This relationship is particularly important in tissue engineering, as it helps engineers and scientists understand how to better design and optimize constructs to meet functional requirements. For example, applying cyclic mechanical strain to engineered tissues can mimic the natural physiological conditions that promote the maturation and functional improvement of tissues, thereby enhancing their performance in a biological setting.

Options that suggest mechanical strain always enhances cell growth or has no effect on cellular alignment misrepresent the complexity of cellular responses to mechanical stimuli. Additionally, stating that mechanical strain is irrelevant to tissue engineering overlooks its critical role in influencing cellular functions and promoting the desired properties in engineered tissues.