2.5 Backbone Geometry: The Ramachandran Map

Backbone Geometry: The Ramachandran Map (Module 2: The Weaver). Key concept: Phi/psi dihedral angles. Explain what the φ and ψ dihedral angles describe.

• Explain what the φ and ψ dihedral angles describe
• Explain why most φ/ψ combinations are sterically forbidden
• Locate helices, sheets and loops in their own regions of the Ramachandran plot
• Explain why glycine reaches regions no other residue can, and why proline is confined