Protein Structure Hierarchy

Abstract

The complexity of protein structures requires a description of their structural components. This chapter describes the elements of protein secondary structure — regular local structural patterns — such as helices, sheets, turns, and loops. Helices and sheets tend to fall into specific regions in the {ø, Ψ} space of the Ramachandran plot (see Figures 3.18 and 3.19). The corresponding width and shape of each region reflects the spread of that motif as found in proteins.

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Thomas Henry Huxley (1825–1895).