PROTEIN FOLDING: polypeptide coiling

PROTEIN FOLDING: polypeptide coiling into an alpha helix (α helix)

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, 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 animation gives a conceptual view of a polypeptide coiling up. The side chains are represented by generic yellow ovoids projecting from the chain.