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DNA Topoisomerase Protocols pp 1–8Cite as

Introduction to DNA Topoisomerases

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Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 94))

Abstract

The helical structure of duplex DNA allows for the faithful duplication and transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next, at the same time maintaining the integrity of the polynucleotide chains. The complementary nature of the two antiparallel DNA strands enables each to serve as a template for the synthesis of the respective daughter DNA strands. The intertwining of these polynucleotide chains in duplex DNA further ensures the integrity of the DNA helix by physically linking the individual strands in a structure stabilized by hydrogen bonding and stacking interactions between the hydrophobic bases. However, these same features pose a number of topological constraints that affect most processes involving DNA, such as DNA replication, transcription, and nucleosome assembly (reviewed in [1–4]).

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmaceutical Science, St. Jude— Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA

    Mary-Ann Bjornsti

  2. Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA

    Neil Osheroff

Authors
  1. Mary-Ann Bjornsti
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  2. Neil Osheroff
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA

    Mary-Ann Bjornsti

  2. Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA

    Neil Osheroff

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© 1999 Humana Press Inc.

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Bjornsti, MA., Osheroff, N. (1999). Introduction to DNA Topoisomerases. In: Bjornsti, MA., Osheroff, N. (eds) DNA Topoisomerase Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 94. Humana, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-259-7:1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-259-7:1

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  • Publisher Name: Humana, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-89603-444-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-259-3

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