What properties do alpha helices and beta sheets impart to polypeptides?

[Ben Rodolico]

Still working on steric clashes of amino acid functional groups. Can anyone explain the properties that either the alpha helix or the beta sheet impart to a polypeptide. Ok, so they are configurations within a complex molecule that provide stability to the structure, but do they impart any specific property to the molecule., Do polypeptides with only helices differ from those that only have sheets?

 

[Suraj M]

Is this helpful?
http://www.austincc.edu/emeyerth/second.htm
They do impart some specific property, because when denatured these structures are what are dissolved which results in loss of functionality.