Secondary structure

Definition

In the context of protein structure, the secondary structure refers to the specific geometric shape or conformation that segments of a protein's polypeptide chain assume, primarily as a result of hydrogen bonding. These shapes include alpha-helices and beta-pleated sheets, which are fundamental to the protein's overall structure and function.

Related terms

Alpha: Helix - A type of secondary structure in proteins characterized by a right-handed coil where each amino acid residue corresponds to a 360-degree turn in the helix every 3.6 residues.

Beta: Pleated Sheet - A sheet-like secondary structure found in proteins, formed by linking two or more parallel or antiparallel strands of polypeptides through hydrogen bonds.

Hydrogen Bonding: An attractive force between a hydrogen atom attached to an electronegative atom (like oxygen or nitrogen) in one molecule and an electronegative atom in another molecule, crucial for forming protein secondary structures