Ribbon diagrams are schematic representations of protein structure and are one of the most common methods of protein depiction used today. The ribbon shows the overall path and organization of the protein backbone in 3D, and serves as a visual framework on which to hang details of the full atomic structure, such as the balls for the oxygen atoms bound to the active site of myoglobin in the adjacent image.
Ribbon diagrams are simplified representations of protein structures and are one of the most frequently used methods today. They depict the overall path and organization of the protein backbone in three dimensions, serving as a visual base on which to place details about the full atomic structure, like spheres for oxygen atoms bound to myoglobin's active site shown in the adjacent image.