- Joined
- Apr 2, 2013
- Messages
- 109
- Reaction score
- 44
Thanks in advance for you input....
So, alpha helices have an inherent electric dipole because we have a amino term ( + charge) and a carboxy term (- charged). The longer the helix, the stronger the dipole (fact).
Now, what I do not understand is: Why do negatively charged amino acids at the amino term stabilize the helix? Why do positively charged amino acids at the carboxyl term stabilize the helix?
So, alpha helices have an inherent electric dipole because we have a amino term ( + charge) and a carboxy term (- charged). The longer the helix, the stronger the dipole (fact).
Now, what I do not understand is: Why do negatively charged amino acids at the amino term stabilize the helix? Why do positively charged amino acids at the carboxyl term stabilize the helix?