Nuclease Methods and Protocols : Humana Press : 9780896036796 : 0896036790 : 30 Jan 2001 : Nucleases, enzymes that restructure or degrade nucleic acid polymers, are vital to the control of every area of metabolism. They range from ?housekeeping? enzymes with broad substrate ranges to extremely specific tools (1). Many types of nucleases are used in lab protocols, and their commercial and clinical uses are expanding. The purpose of Nuclease Methods and Protocols is to introduce the reader to some we- characterized protein nucleases, and the methods used to determine their activity, structure, interaction with other molecules, and physiological role. Each chapter begins with a mini-review on a specific nuclease or a nuclease-related theme. Although many chapters cover several topics, they were arbitrarily divided into five parts: Part I, ?Characterizing Nuclease Activity,? includes protocols and assays to determine general (processive, distributive) or specific mechanisms. Methods to ass