The document discusses the various effects and mechanisms of action of lasers on biological tissues. There are five main effects: 1) Thermal effects such as coagulation and vaporization, which can be used for cutting tissues. 2) Mechanical effects from high intensity lasers causing shock waves. 3) Photoablative effects allowing precise ablation without heat. 4) Photodynamic effects using light-activated drugs to kill cancer cells. 5) Photochemical and photobiological effects that can reduce pain and inflammation or enhance healing. Lasers have a variety of medical applications based on their different tissue interactions.