This book brings together recent methods and theoretical approaches developed to dissect the activity and function of bacterial and eukaryotic Structural Maintenance of Chromosome (SMC) proteins. The protocols explore numerous subjects such as depletion systems to assess SMC function, genetic manipulation of SMC proteins, chromosomal, biochemical, and microscopy-based assays of SMC activity, as well as theoretical modeling of SMC activity. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.