- #1
luckymango
- 7
- 0
Proteins
Are protein structures always right-handed??
Are protein structures always right-handed??
Last edited:
Is Protein Structure Handedness Consistent?
- Thread starter luckymango
- Start date
-
- Tags
- Solubility
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the handedness of protein structures, specifically whether proteins are always right-handed or if left-handed proteins exist. Participants explore the implications of handedness in natural proteins and specific structural examples, such as coiled coils.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants assert that natural proteins are always right-handed.
- Others question whether left-handed proteins exist in the human body, suggesting that there should not be any.
- One participant expresses confusion regarding the handedness of coiled coil structures, noting a discrepancy between their understanding and information found on Wikipedia.
- A later reply clarifies the distinction between left-handed and right-handed helices, referencing an attached file for visual support.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree that natural proteins are right-handed, but there is uncertainty regarding the existence of left-handed proteins and the specifics of coiled coil structures. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of these observations.
Contextual Notes
The discussion includes potential misunderstandings about handedness in protein structures and references to external sources that may not align with participants' interpretations.
- #2
GCT
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 1,745
- 0
luckymango said:
The natural ones are
- #3
luckymango
- 7
- 0
So does that mean that there won't be any left-handed proteins in our bodies?
- #4
GCT
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 1,745
- 0
No, there shouldn't
- #5
luckymango
- 7
- 0
I'm a bit confused about the right-handed and left-handed proteins. I know that the coiled coil structure has to be left-handed but why wikipedia shows 2 right-handed coil instead?? Does it mean that a the 2 alpha-helix are right-handed but coiled together in a left-handed way??
I have attached a file of what I think a right-handed and left-handed should be.
Below is the url for wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coiled_coil
I have attached a file of what I think a right-handed and left-handed should be.
Below is the url for wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coiled_coil
Attachments
Last edited:
- #6
GCT
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 1,745
- 0
I'm really not quite sure what you're asking here, the attached file shows a left handed helix on the left and a right handed one on the right.
Similar threads
- · Replies 1 ·
- · Replies 1 ·
- · Replies 2 ·
- · Replies 0 ·
- · Replies 5 ·