---
title: "Secondary structure: research glossary | Sable Peptides"
description: "Secondary structure refers to regular local conformations of a peptide backbone stabilised by hydrogen bonds, mainly alpha-helices and beta-sheets, along w"
canonical: https://www.sablepeptides.co.uk/glossary/secondary-structure
publisher: Sable Peptides Limited (UK company 17488610)
note: Research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.
---

Glossary

# Secondary structure

Secondary structure refers to regular local conformations of a peptide backbone stabilised by hydrogen bonds, mainly alpha-helices and beta-sheets, along with turns and random coil. Short peptides are often flexible in water but may adopt defined structures in membranes or organic solvents. Circular dichroism is used to assess it.

Source: [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protein_secondary_structure)

## Related terms

-   [Peptide](/glossary/peptide)
-   [Circular dichroism](/glossary/circular-dichroism)

[Back to glossary A–Z](/glossary/terms)

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