amphipathic
(adjective)
Describing a molecule, such as a detergent, which has both hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups.
Examples of amphipathic in the following topics:
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Phospholipids
- Phospholipids are amphipathic molecules that make up the bilayer of the plasma membrane and keep the membrane fluid.
- A phospholipid is an amphipathic molecule which means it has both a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic component.
- The formation of a micelle is a response to the amphipathic nature of fatty acids, meaning that they contain both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.