Alpha helix
the rodlike spatial configuration of many protein molecules in which the polypeptide backbone is stabilized by hydrogen bonds between amino acids in successive helical turns.
noun
(biochem) a helical conformation of a polypeptide chain, found abundantly in the structure of proteins
alpha helix n.
the helical form, turned in a right-handed direction, of many proteins.
alpha helix
a common structure of proteins, characterized by a single, spiral chain of amino acids stabilized by hydrogen bonds. compare beta sheet, random coil.
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(def 2).
- Alpha iron
the magnetic allotrope of iron, stable below 910°c and having a body-centered cubic sp-ce lattice. noun a magnetic allotrope of iron that is stable below 910°c; ferrite
- Alpha-ketoglutaric acid
a dibasic keto acid, c 5 h 6 o 5 , that occurs as an intermediate in the krebs’ cycle and in protein metabolism.
- Alpha-naphthol
see under . either of two isomeric hydroxyl derivatives, c 1 0 h 7 oh, of naphthalene (alpha-naphthol or 1-naphthol and beta-naphthol or 2-naphthol) white or yellowish crystals, with a phenolic odor, that darken on exposure to light: used chiefly in dyes, drugs, perfumes, and insecticides. historical examples alpha-naphthol for dark reds from primuline, greys […]
- Alpha-naphthyl group
(def 1).