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.
"...an excellent book, easy to read and full of new ideas, concepts and elements for future researches." --CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, 2001
"...does an excellent job of highlighting specific unresolved questions. One can literally pick a page at random and be almost certain to find mention of a specific question that is worthy of future study. Ohter valualbe aspects of the book include its clear focus on important biological questions and Wolffe's astonishing command of the literature. These aspects make the book particularly valuable for several distinct groups of readers." --J.Widom, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, in CELL
Praise for Previous Editions "...this volume should prove invaluable in encouraging interested students to delve deeper in to the mysteries of chromatin and so entice a new generation of talent into this exciting field." --BIOESSAYS
"It has scope, depth, and balance in interpreting a complex and often conflicting literature. It is a very fine job!" --VINCENT G. ALLFREY
"...Presented in a coherent and integrated manner... a well-constructed and enjoyable text to read. It should prove to be a valuable aid to teaching." --HEREDITY
"...Carefully constructed and both easy and enjoyable to read. The layout is excellent, with nicely balanced sections, ...headed by immediately informative subtitles and rounded off with a short yet decisive summary emphasizing the most important points. ...an ideal starting point for any appropriate advanced undergraduate course or for graduates wishing to delve more deeply into the mysteries of chromatin structure and function." --TRENDS IN CELL BIOLOGY
