Studying genomic processes at the single-molecule level: introducing the tools and applications.

To understand genomic processes such as transcription, translation or splicing, we need to be able to study their spatial and temporal organization at the molecular level. Single-molecule approaches provide this opportunity, allowing researchers to monitor molecular conformations, interactions or diffusion quantitatively and in real time in purified systems and in the context of the living cell. This Review introduces the types of application of single-molecule approaches that can enhance our understanding of genome function.