This work describes the use of polyacrylamide hydrogels as controlled elastic modulus substrates for single cell traction force microscopy studies. The first section describes the use of EDC/NHS chemistry to convalently link microbeads to the hydrogel matrix for the purpose of performing long-term traction force studies (7 days). The final study uses the C2C12 cell line to demonstrate that integrin-mediated adhesion to soft substrates causes different cell behavior than N-cahderin-mediated adhesion to soft substrates. Cells plated on laminin-coated hydrogels exhibited stiffness dependent increases in cell spreading, whereas cells plated on N-cadherin-coated substrates. Similarly, cells plated on laminin-coated substrates exhibited substrate stiffness dependent increases in normalized net contractile moment, however the same cells plated on N-cadherin-coated substrates were unable to deform any but the softest hydrogels. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]