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In $\alpha$-helix, the backbone of the polypeptide coils around the long axis of the protein molecule
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Because the amino acid have the L- configuration the $\alpha$-helix is a right handed helix, that is it rotates in a clock wise direction as it spiral down
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Each turn of the helix in contains 3.6 amino acids, and the repeat distance of the helix is $5.4 \mathrm{A^\circ}$