Speakur

Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

helix-loop-helix

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.94 in modern English

Syllables
he-lix-loop-he-lix
IPA
36
Scrabble Score
14
Letters
5
Syllables
7
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A structural motif where two alpha helices are connected by a highly flexible amino acid loop, allowing the helices to pack together. Usually requires forming a dimer with another HLH protein before binding DNA.

Etymology

From helix + loop + helix. The term got its name from its distinct physical geometry; two alpha helices separated and connected by a flexible chain of amino acids known as a "loop", allowing the helices to pack together tightly.

Inflected Forms

helix-loop-helices (plural) HLH (abbreviation)

Phrases

helix-turn-helix leucine zipper zinc finger

Frequently Paired Words

helix-turn-helix heterodimerization homodimerization leucine zipper myogenesis zinc finger

Questions

What does helix-loop-helix mean?
A structural motif where two alpha helices are connected by a highly flexible amino acid loop, allowing the helices to pack together. Usually requires forming a dimer with another HLH protein before binding DNA.
Where does helix-loop-helix come from?
From helix + loop + helix. The term got its name from its distinct physical geometry; two alpha helices separated and connected by a flexible chain of amino acids known as a "loop", allowing the helices to pack together tightly.

How to pronounce helix-loop-helix

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