Figure 1.

Protein-DNA recognition mechanisms. The main three protein-DNA recognition mechanisms are shown. When the transcription factor (pink ring) moves from one site to another by means of sliding along the DNA and is transferred from one base pair to another without dissociating from the DNA, this mechanism is called sliding (top). Hopping occurs when the transcription factor moves on the DNA by dissociating from one site and re-associating with another site (center). Intersegmental transfer describes the mechanism by which the transcription factor gets transferred through DNA bending or the formation of a DNA loop, resulting in the protein being bound transiently to both sides and subsequently moving from on site to the other (bottom).