The helix is a symbol that appears quite frequently throughout the series. The helix symbol consists of an "S" shape from which three lines extend, with two on the left and one on the right. The "S" shape resembles a strand of RNA, and the horizontal linear extentions appear as polypeptides that are forming during the protein translation phase. Writer and co-executive producer Michael Green has stated that the writers know it as "the helix."
In the episode "(Godsend)", the symbol appears on the sword hilt, and Ando Masahashi remarks that it appears to be a combination of two Kanji characters: 才 (Sai) meaning "Great Talent" and 与 (Yo) meaning "Godsend". During an interview at the Wizard World in Los Angeles, writer and co-producer Aron Coleite stated that it literally means "God sending great ability."[27] Other characters have commented on the symbol; in the Heroes comic "It Takes a Village, Part 3", the Haitian's father draws the symbol as a representation of a snake who assimilated a crane's wings after eating the crane whole. The symbol also frequently appears as a pattern formed by mundane objects, but it also recurs on certain plot-significant items and on several characters:
On Peter Petrelli's 'stick drawing' while in hospital.
Horizontally on the computer screen while Mohinder Suresh is running his father's program.
On various paintings by Isaac Mendez.
Written on the side of the pages of Claire's geometry book in "One Giant Leap".
On Jessica's back whenever she surfaces as Niki's alternate personality. When Jessica is repressed, the symbol does not appear on Niki's back. This also appeared on a painting of "Jessica" by Isaac. The symbol was hidden under an extra layer of paint. Later on, Jessica hides the symbol (an apparent tattoo) under a layer of foundation makeup.
On the front of Dr. Chandra Suresh's book, Activating Evolution.
On the top left corner of the 9th Wonders comic.
As a logo for Primatech Paper, in "Company Man".
On jewelry, most notably the Haitian's necklace, Hana Gitelman's earrings and ring, and Peter's necklace when he is found in Cork, Ireland.
On the flag and katana of Takezo Kensei in 1671, as witnessed by Hiro Nakamura.
In Molly Walker's drawings of her nightmares, as a scar on someone's face.
As a sign of impending assasination, drawn across people's faces in pictures and delivered to Angela Petrelli and Kaito Nakamura.
