Supersecondary structure

A supersecondary structure is a compact three-dimensional protein structure of several adjacent elements of secondary structure that is smaller than a protein domain or a subunit. Supersecondary structures can act as nucleations in the process of protein folding. Examples include β-hairpins, α-helix hairpins, and β-α-β motifs.

See also

• Structural motif

Further reading

• Chiang YS, Gelfand TI, Kister AE, Gelfand IM (2007). "New classification of supersecondary structures of sandwich-like proteins uncovers strict patterns of strand assemblage.". Proteins. 68 (4): 915–921. doi:10.1002/prot.21473. PMID 17557333.