α Helix

Definition

An α Helix is a common structural motif in proteins, characterized by a right-handed coil where each amino acid corresponds to a 360-degree turn every 3.6 residues. The structure is stabilized by hydrogen bonds between the backbone atoms of the amino acids.

Related terms

Hydrogen bond:

A weak bond between two molecules resulting from an electrostatic attraction between a proton in one molecule and an electronegative atom in the other.

Amino acid:

The building blocks of proteins, consisting of a basic amino group, an acidic carboxyl group, and a unique side chain attached to an alpha carbon.

Secondary structure:

The level of protein structure characterized by the arrangement of the backbone atoms into patterns such as α helices and β sheets through hydrogen bonding