Question

Why are alpha helices Important?

Answer 1

Alpha Helix (p. helices):

1. The alpha helix is a right-hand - helix conformation which is a very common motif in the secondary structure of proteins.
2. In it, every backbone $\mathrm{N}-\mathrm{H}$group hydrogen bonds to the backbone $\mathrm{C}=\mathrm{O}$ group of the amino acid located at four residues placed along the protein sequence.

Fig: The alpha helix structure of the protein.

The importance of alpha-helices are:

1. The alpha - Helices are critical elements for biomolecular recognition.
2. It is also useful for studying protein-protein interaction.
3. It also shows how a protein's main chain is arranged in space.