PROTEIN FOLDING: alpha helix (α helix)

(above) alpha helix #1.

• grey = carbon (C)
• blue = nitrogen (N)
• red = oxygen (O)
• white = hydrogen (H)
• yellow = generic side chain

Proteins consist of long chains (polymers) of amino acids. As they are produced (by protein synthesis), proteins fold up in complex ways. A standard form of folding is called an alpha helix and many proteins have segments composed of α-helices. This image shows a perspective view down a coiled polypeptide molecule. The side chains are represented by generic yellow ovoids projecting from the chain. See the animation of this protein folding.

Original is 4096 pixels across.