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These volumes explore the variety of ways the genomes are packaged, and function in transcription and replication, as chromosomes of animals, plants, bacteria, and viruses. The topics concerning eukaryotic chromosomes that are discussed include: the DNA and protein components of chromosmes; mitosis and meiosis; and specialized, plant, and organelle chromosomes. With these higher systems, considerable progress has recently been made in understanding the organization and acitivity of mitotic and meitotic chromosomes. The volumes also fully cover the replication, segregation, and ultrastructure of prokaryotic (bacterial) chromosomes. These subjects are important since the field of molecular biology was founded on studies of the genetics and biochemistry of bacteria. The structure and function of viral chromosomes receive special emphasis in the volumes. Although viral genomes are extremely small, more variety exists in the strucuture of viruses than for eukaryotic chromosomes. In examining eukaryotic, prokaryotic, and viral chromosomes, the chapters informatively reveal the most significant aspects of chromosome organization, replication, and expression. Although chromosomes differ vastly in their sizes and complexity, they are shown to employ similar molecular mechanisms, using similar components, to carry out their functions. This is a valuable reference for graduate students, researchers, and clinicians in biology, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry and microbiology.