Pi Helix

A pi helix (or π-helix) is a type of secondary structure found in proteins. Although thought to be rare, π-helices are actually found in 15% of known protein structures and are believed to be an evolutionary adaptation derived by the insertion of a single amino acid into an α-helix. Because such insertions are highly destabilizing, the formation of π-helices would tend to be selected against unless it provided some functional advantage to the protein. π-helices therefore are typically found near functional sites of proteins.