Alpha Helices | Topics

Mimicking nature’s twist: time-evolving helicity in a polymer

A team of scientists developed a chlorophyll-based supramolecular polymer that can gradually evolve from nonhelical fibers into well-defined helical structures. The transformation occurs cooperatively and is driven by small energy differences between stable arrangements, offering a blueprint for designing dynamic helical structures.

SourceChiba University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

Breakthrough in designing complicated all-α protein structures

A team of researchers created five unique all-α protein structures with non-uniformly arranged α-helices, holding immense potential for designing functional proteins. The novel approach enables the generation of a diverse set of all-α protein structures by combining typical motifs and canonical α-helices.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2024

Briggs takes to the molecular level Darwin's findings on plants sensing the direction of light

Researchers have discovered a two-member family of protein molecules, phototropin, that detects blue photons and guides seedling growth towards light. This finding has profound influences on seedling development and is being intensely studied by chemists and biophysicists.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·DateJul 24, 2004