The angles around the central α-carbon of an amino acid are referred to as what?

The angles around the central α-carbon of an amino acid are referred to as phi (φ) and psi (ψ) angles. These two angles play a crucial role in defining the conformation of protein structures.

The phi angle relates to the rotation around the bond between the nitrogen atom of the amino group and the carbon atom of the alpha carbon, while the psi angle pertains to the bond between the alpha carbon and the carbonyl carbon of the carboxyl group. Together, these angles help determine the three-dimensional arrangement of amino acids in a protein, influencing the secondary structure, such as alpha helices and beta sheets. Understanding phi and psi angles is fundamental for studying protein folding and function, as they determine how the polypeptide chain adopts its specific shape in the biological environment.