Book excerpt: This book draws together recent data on both cytoplasmic and flagellar dyneins and the proteins they interact with, to give readers a clear picture of what is currently known about the structure and mechanics of these remarkable macro-molecular machines. Each chapter is written by active researchers, with a focus on currently used biophysical, biochemical, and cell biological methods. This is a useful handbook for frontline researchers as well as a textbook for advanced students. Besides comprehensive cover of structural information gained by electron microscopy, electron cryo-tomography, X-ray crystallography, and nuclear magnetic resonance, this book provides detailed descriptions of mechanistic experiments by single-molecule nanometry. The reports include in vitro studies of the motility of reconstituted complexes and in vivo studies of organisms expressing mutant dyneins. The recent technical improvements described, which have played an important part in recent advances, include the expression and preparation of recombinant dynein heavy chains or individual subdomains.