Where does “helix-loop-helix” come from?
helix-loop-helix (English) comes from English helix, from Latin helīx, from Ancient Greek ἕλιξ, from Ancient Greek πτερόν, from Proto-Indo-European péth₂r̥, from Proto-Indo-European peth₂- — to spread out; to fly.
helix-loop-helix (English): 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
Definitions
- 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
Ancestry of “helix-loop-helix”, step by step
helix-loop-helix traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.
via English helix
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | helix | A curve on the surface of a cylinder or cone such... |
| 2 | Latin | helīx | a kind of ivy |
| 3 | Ancient Greek | ἕλιξ | Anything twisted, winding, or spiral; The tendril... |
| 4 | Ancient Greek | πτερόν | feather; wing; Any winged creature |
| 5 | Proto-Indo-European | péth₂r̥ | wing; feather |
| 6 | Proto-Indo-European | peth₂- | to spread out; to fly |
via English loop
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | loop | A length of thread, line or rope that is doubled... |
| 2 | Middle English | loupe | opening in a wall; noose, loop |
| 3 | Old Norse | hlaup | leap, jump; a run", "literally," "a leap |
| 4 | Old Norse | hlaupa | to leap, jump, spring |
| 5 | Proto-Germanic | hlaupaną | to jump forward, to leap |
| 6 | Proto-Indo-European | klaup- | — |