Amphiphilic

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Amphiphilic

Amphiphilic (pronunciation: am-fi-phil-ic) is a term used in the field of Chemistry and Biochemistry to describe a compound that possesses both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties.

Etymology

The term "Amphiphilic" is derived from the Greek words 'amphi' meaning 'both' and 'philic' meaning 'loving'. This refers to the dual nature of these compounds, which can interact with both polar (water-soluble) and nonpolar (water-insoluble) substances.

Properties

Amphiphilic compounds, also known as Amphipathic compounds, have a unique structure that allows them to interact with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic environments. This is due to the presence of both polar (hydrophilic) and nonpolar (hydrophobic) regions within the same molecule. This property makes them crucial in various biological and chemical processes, including the formation of Cell Membranes, Micelles, and Liposomes.

Related Terms

  • Hydrophilic: A term used to describe substances that are attracted to water.
  • Hydrophobic: A term used to describe substances that repel water.
  • Surfactant: A type of amphiphilic compound that reduces the surface tension of a liquid.
  • Phospholipid: A type of amphiphilic molecule that is a major component of all cell membranes.

See Also

External links

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