Pauling's Alpha Helix

Pauling's alpha helix is a common structural feature found in proteins. It resembles a coiled spring or spiral, where the protein's chain twists to form a tight helix. This structure is stabilized by hydrogen bonds between the backbone of the protein chain, helping to maintain its shape. The alpha helix is crucial for protein function, as it enables proteins to adopt specific forms that allow them to interact effectively with other molecules in the body. Discovered by Linus Pauling in the 1950s, it has since become fundamental in understanding protein structure and function.