Genetic information determines the composition of molecules comprising cytoskeletal elements, membranes and receptors. The supramolecular arrangement of these components represents a self-assembly process controlled by physicochemical and mechanical interactions. This general hypothesis demarcates the aim of studying cellular mechanics. Description and evaluation of mechanical properties of cells and their organelles, as well as of the forces exerted by them, is the scope of this book on "Cytomechanics." Emphasis is laid on the role of mechanical properties in the generation of shape and cytoplasmic motion, and on the basic principles and components determining mechanical properties.

In this volume the impact of cell culture models on dermatological research is discussed by scientists from medicine, physiology, biology, pharmacology, and pharmacy. The book includes the following topics: orthology and pathology of the skin, differentiation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, problems of the cultivation of melanocytes, biochemistry of pigment metabolism, models for wound healing and tissue renewal, fibroblast function and metabolism of collagen, models for the investigation of ageing as well as models for pharmacological and toxicologial tests. Thus, a wide arch is spanned, from basic problems with cultivation and characterization of cell cultures to examples of application. Dermatologists as well as cell biologists will benefit from this publication.