Protein secondary structures are like the building blocks that help shape proteins. They stay strong mostly because of special connections called hydrogen bonds. Here are some easy ways to understand them:

1. Alpha Helices:

   • Think of them like twists in a staircase. They form when a part of one amino acid connects with a part of another amino acid, usually about four steps away in the chain.
   • About 30% of proteins have these alpha helices.

2. Beta Sheets:

   • These are like folds in a piece of paper. They are made when hydrogen bonds connect parts from nearby strands of amino acids.
   • Beta sheets can run in the same direction (parallel) or opposite directions (antiparallel). The opposite direction ones are usually a bit stronger.
   • Around 20-30% of proteins include beta sheets.

These connections are really important because they help give proteins their shape and how they work in our bodies.