Helix

A helix (/ˈhiːlɪks/; pl. helices) is a shape like a corkscrew. It is a type of smooth space curve with tangent lines at a constant angle to a fixed axis. Helices are important in biology, as the DNA molecule is formed as two intertwined helices, and many proteins have helical substructures, known as alpha helices. The word helix comes from the Greek word ἕλιξ, "twisted, curved". A "filled-in" helix – for example, a "spiral" (helical) ramp – is a surface called a helicoid.

This article is about the shape. For the shape of deoxyribonucleic acid, see Double helix. For other uses, see Helix (disambiguation).
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