C alpha model

The C-alpha (Ca) model is a simplified way to study proteins by representing each amino acid with just its central carbon atom, called the alpha carbon. Instead of modeling every atom in the protein, this approach focuses on the positions of these alpha carbons to understand the protein's overall shape and movements. It helps scientists analyze how proteins fold, change shape, and perform their functions more efficiently, without getting bogged down by complex atomic details. Essentially, it provides a clear, manageable framework to study large-scale protein structures and dynamics.