Superhelix vs. Helix

Superhelixnoun

(molecular biology) The shape formed by a helix which in turn is twisted into a larger helix

Superhelix

A superhelix is a molecular structure in which a helix is itself coiled into a helix. This is significant to both proteins and genetic material, such as overwound circular DNA. The earliest significant reference in molecular biology is from 1971, by F. B. Fuller: A geometric invariant of a space curve, the writhing number, is defined and studied.

Helixnoun

(mathematics) A curve on the surface of a cylinder or cone such that its angle to a plane perpendicular to the axis is constant; the three-dimensional curve seen in a screw or a spiral staircase.

Helixnoun

(architecture) A small volute under the abacus of a Corinthian capital.

Helixnoun

(anatomy) The incurved rim of the external ear.

Helixnoun

An upside down midair 360° spin in playboating.

Helixverb

To form or cause to form a helix.

Helixnoun

A nonplane curve whose tangents are all equally inclined to a given plane. The common helix is the curve formed by the thread of the ordinary screw. It is distinguished from the spiral, all the convolutions of which are in the plane.

Helixnoun

A caulicule or little volute under the abacus of the Corinthian capital.

Helixnoun

The incurved margin or rim of the external ear. See Illust. of Ear.

Helixnoun

A genus of land snails, including a large number of species.

Helixnoun

a curve that lies on the surface of a cylinder or cone and cuts the element at a constant angle

Helixnoun

a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops;

Helixnoun

type genus of the family Helicidae

Helix

A helix (), plural helixes or helices (), is a shape like a corkscrew or spiral staircase. It is a type of smooth space curve with tangent lines at a constant angle to a fixed axis.