A Dispute Between the Cavendish and Caltech: The Emergence and Ubiquity of the Alpha-Helix
February 2020
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New to Keratin? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → Studysummary This review details the development of the alpha-helix model for protein structure proposed by Pauling and Corey and confirms its validity through X-ray studies of myoglobin and lysozyme.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
In 1950, Bragg, Kendrew, and Perutz from the Cavendish Laboratory proposed a model for protein folding, specifically for keratin. This model was quickly challenged by Pauling and Corey from Caltech, who criticized the Cambridge team's proposal and introduced the alpha-helix as a new structural motif for proteins. The alpha-helix's significance and characteristics were outlined, and its validity was later confirmed through X-ray studies of myoglobin and the enzyme lysozyme by Kendrew at the Cavendish Laboratory and Phillips et al. at the DFRL in the United Kingdom.
