Standard Origins and Orientations

3DEM Image Conventions

Helical Symmetry



Standard orientation:  z-axis on helical axis, dyad axis on x (if present)

Standard origin:  on helical axis, at intersection with dyad axis (if present)


Description: H<rise>, <angle>, <1/2>, <n>*
Standard  Orientation (standard display orientation) Standard Orientation (perpendicular to z-axis, dyad axis [x-axis] is shown if present) Standard Orientation (arbitrary display orientation) Standard Orientation (arbitrary display orientation)
Simple Helix:
H 10 angs., 120 deg., 1, 1
A simple helix showing standard orientation and standard display orientation
A simple helix showing standard orientation, perpendicular to helix axis
A simple helix showing standard orientation, arbitrary display orientation
A simple helix showing standard orientation, arbitrary display orientation
A Simple Helix with a Dyad Axis:
H 10 angs., 120 deg., 2, 1
A simple helix with dyad symmetry showing standard orientation and standard display orientation
A simple helix with dyad symmetry showing standard orientation, dyad axis pointing at viewer
A simple helix with dyad symmetry showing standard orientation, arbitrary display orientation
A simple helix with dyad symmetry showing standard orientation, arbitrary display orientation
A Simple Helix with a 3-fold Rotation Axis :
H 10 angs., 120 deg., 1, 3
A simple helix with rotational symmetry about the helical axis, showing standard orientation and standard display orientation
A simple helix with rotational symmetry about the helix axis, showing standard orientation, perpendicular to helix axis
A simple helix with rotational symmetry about the helical axis, showing standard orientation, arbitrary display orientation
A simple helix with rotational symmetry about the helical axis, showing standard orientation, arbitrary display orientation

*Helical symmetry is designated by four symmetry operators:
- A translation (rise per subunit)
- A rotation (rotation angle per subunit), a positive angle signifies a right-handed helix and a negative angle signifies a left-handed helix
- Presence (2) or absence (1) of a dyad axis perpendicular to the helix axis
- n-fold symmetry about the helix axis



Back to standard origins/orientations table
  9 Mar 2006