The molecular structure of the bacterial enzyme called pectate lyase C features a distinctive pattern of parallel segments that coil into a helix. Narrow, horizontal coils (near bottom) are alpha helices. Steven Herron/UC, IrvineThe tailspike protein (left) of the P22 bacteriophage has an elongated structure. The main body of the protein is made up of three adjacent amino acid chains (shown in blue, red, and yellow), each coiled into a beta helix (right). Cameron Haase-Pettingell/MIT
Bacterial soft rot can severely damage a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Infected potatoes, for example, develop mushy areas that render them inedible.