DNA replication /

Adams's short but concise book provides an excellent introduction to DNA replication. He has succinctly summarized the following topics: enzymes catalyzing replication; initiation of replication in viral, bacterial, and eukaryotic systems; termination of replication; and protein-DNA associations during DNA packaging. One of the book's strengths is the lucid explanation of the functional roles that the various enzymes play during DNA replication. Although the writing style is precise, the subject is complicated and may require careful attention by the reader to fully understand the text. The diagrams are adequate, but more detailed presentations would be beneficial in explaining complicated concepts such as how the structural configuration of DNA at the replicating fork permits DNA polymerase III to catalyze DNA replication on both strands of DNA at sites 1500 nucleotides apart (Fig. 2.6). Each chapter contains a brief summary and specific citations so that the reader can pursue any topic. An excellent resource book for anyone looking for a brief but current introduction to DNA replication. For advanced undergraduates and up.-J. R. Palisano, Emory and Henry College