EF-hand motif

The EF-hand motif is a structural pattern found in certain proteins that allows them to bind calcium ions. It consists of a specific arrangement of amino acids that forms a loop between two alpha-helices. When calcium ions bind to this loop, it can trigger changes in the protein's shape and activity, influencing various biological processes. This motif is crucial in many proteins involved in cellular signaling, muscle contraction, and other functions where calcium plays a key role. Understanding this motif helps scientists learn more about how cells communicate and regulate their activities.