Alpha Helix: a right-handed helical structure

    Seen from either end, the helix spirals away clockwise. Note that the R groups are directed outward from the backbone of the chain. The helix is stabilized by H-bonds between the carboxy and amino groups of residues spaced three apart.


Figure © 2000 by Griffiths et al. ; All text material ©2009  by Steven M. Carr