Many processes in the genetic life of the cell require a specific interaction between proteins and DNA. While DNA is normally thought of as a straight double helix, it can be distorted by bending and twisting, and these alterations are critical to a number of cellular processes. These include transcription (by which the genetic message is read), recombination (rearrangements by which new combinations of genes come about), and the repair of DNA damage. An interesting group of proteins have the important role of recognizing and manipulating DNA structure. This text explores the importance of DNA structure in the interactions between proteins and DNA in order to generate a new perspective on DNA-protein.