In recent years, much information has been revealed concerning the essential role of helicases, the enzymes that utilize the energy derived from nucleoside triphosphate hydrolysis to unwind the double stranded helical structure of nucleic acids. In Helicases: Methods and Protocols, this topic is explored by leading international scientists who have contributed significantly to our current understanding of helicases and the ways in which they function. Chapters include methods for the production and purification of helicases from different species, as well as detailed studies of helicase activities, including NTP binding and hydrolysis, nucleic acid binding and unwinding, and translocation along nucleic acid substrates. Composed in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology™ series format, each chapter contains a brief introduction, step-by-step methods, a list of necessary materials, and a Notes section which shares tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Wide-ranging and innovative, Helicases: Methods and Protocols is the ultimate guide for researchers, providing the scientific community with comprehensive accounts of the most advanced methods used to study helicases today.