In summary, we described the use of laser scissors and tweezers from three perspectives: (a) the historical background from which these two techniques evolved, (b) an understanding and lack of understanding of the mechanisms of interaction with the biological systems, and (c) the applications of the scissors and tweezers alone and in combination. As the technology improves and we gain a better understanding of how these two tools operate they will become even more useful in probing cell structure and function, as well as practically manipulating cells in genetics, oncology, and developmental biology.