Pauling's Helix

Pauling's helix, also known as the alpha helix, is a common structural pattern in proteins. It's a right-handed spiral shape formed by amino acid chains coiling in a precise, regular manner. This coil is stabilized by hydrogen bonds between backbone atoms, giving the protein strength and stability. Think of it like a tightly wound spring or a slinky. This structure allows proteins to fold into specific shapes essential for their function, such as enzymes or structural components, enabling biological processes to proceed efficiently.