Mechanisms of Transcription presents a unique perspective on the fundamental processes of transcription. A collection of distinguished authors draws together the underlying mechanisms involved in the process of transcription. This includes RNA polymerase function and its interaction with promoter sequences, and the structures of the various components on the transcriptional machinery. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, NMR and crystallographic structures of a number of important eukaryotic transcription factors are discussed, as well as the role of chromatin structure.

Presents a coherent account of many productive lines of investigation, organized as a series of mini-reviews that focus on major research areas including studies on the structure and mechanisms of action of bacterial, viral, and eukaryotic RNA polymerases, and the transcription factors that control their activities. Each review provides a brief but up-to-date account of the progress of research in a particular area, a discussion of the major issues and questions driving that research, and a brief description of the evolving approaches and technologies used to address those questions. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR