Question

Differences between alpha helix and beta pleated sheet structures of proteins?

Answer 1

The difference between these examples of secondary protein structure is the shape.

Explanation:

An alpha helix is a spiral shaped portion of a protein molecule. Imagine a twisting ribbon to imagine the shape of the alpha helix.

A pleated sheet (also called a `beta` pleated sheet) looks like a piece of paper which had been folded in an alternating pattern like when you make a fan.

![https://useruploads.socratic.org/L5NVkluRzWpFvd3gVby5_pleated_sheet.jpg)

A long chain of amino acids will have some regions which will twist to form alpha helices and other regions which will take on a pleated sheet shape. This is important because the two types of shapes combine to give the protein its shape; and the shape of a protein determines the job it will do!

This video discusses proteins from 10:14 to 13:30. Topics include protein structure and function including the four levels of protein structure.

Hope this helps!