three-dimensional computer generated model of collagen, the main protein in the connective tissue of animals

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Collagen molecular structure. Collagen is the main protein of connective tissue in animals and the most abundant protein in mammals. Collagen is made up of three polypeptide strands (called alpha chains), each possessing the conformation of a left-handed helix. These three left-handed helices are twisted together into a right-handed coiled coil, a triple helix or "super helix", a cooperative quaternary structure stabilized by numerous hydrogen bonds. The three helices are shown in yellow superimposed upon stick models showing the amino acids making up each helix.

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Size: 4162px × 4226px
Photo credit: © Scott Camazine / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 3d, alpha, biotechnology, chains, collagen, computer, connective, dimensional, generated, helices, helix., left-handed, polypeptide, protein, strands, strength, structure, tissue