Chromatin: Structure and Function

The impact of chromatin structure on gene activity and many other nuclear events has become increasingly apparent over the past four years. Progress has been made concerning the structure and function of the nucleoprotein structures regulating transcription, replication, and repair within the eukaryotic chromosome. Important recent advances include the determination of the internal organization of the nucleosome. Findings indicate the histones have unexpected structural similarities to known transcription factors. Similar structures point to similar functions and emphasise the importance of considering both the architectural roles of histones and transcription factors in regulatory complexes. Genetic experiments have introduced a whole new significance both to the histones and to other proteins that control long-range chromosomal compaction and regulate differential gene activity. Modifications to this edition incorporate such new discoveries into the framework of established knowledge. However, the principle aim remains to introduce interested scientists to chromatin. This volume provides the reader with an account of the nature, structure, and assembly of chromatin and its involvement in the processes of DNA transcription, replication, and repair. Constantly interrelating the structure of eurkaryotic DNA with the nuclear processes it undergoes, this book is a must for students and molecular biologists who want to really understand how DNA works.