Overview: What Are Helicases?

摘要: First discovered in the 1970s, DNA helicases were initially described as enzymes that use chemical energy to separate (i.e., unwind) complementary strands of DNA. Because are ubiquitous, display a range fascinating biochemical activities, and involved all aspects metabolism, defects human linked variety genetic disorders, helicase research continues be important understanding molecular basis replication, recombination, repair. The purpose this book is organize information update traditional view these enzymes, because it now evident not possess bona fide strand separation activity may function instead energy-dependent switches or translocases. In chapter, we will first discuss structural features DNA—the lattice on which operate—and its cellular organization. We then provide historical overview helicases, starting from their discovery classification, leading structures, mechanisms, biomedical significance. Finally, highlight several key advances developments research, summarize some remaining questions active areas investigation. subsequent chapters topics others greater detail written by experts respective fields.