Definition of Α Helix



The secondary structure of the proteins is formed by the α-helices. It is stabilized by the hydrogen bonds which exist between the oxygen of the carbonyl group and the amino group of every third residue present in the helical turn. Each helical turn of the structure contains 3.6 amino acid residues.

 


The side chains of the amino acid residues remain on the outer surface of the helix. There are some amino acids like alanine, glutamate, leucine and histidine which promote the formation of the helical structure. But this secondary structure is not very stable hence, a more coiled structure is to be generated.

 

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