Learn Glossary biochemistry

Amphipathic

Molecule with a polar (hydrophilic) region at one location and a nonpolar (hydrophobic) region at another.

Describes molecules such as phospholipids, bile salts, and fatty acids that contain both water-soluble (polar) and lipid-soluble (nonpolar) regions, allowing them to form micelles, bilayers, and emulsions.

How one textbook covers it

  • Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism, 8th ed. (Gropper)Glossary

    Describes molecules such as phospholipids, bile salts, and fatty acids that contain both water-soluble (polar) and lipid-soluble (nonpolar) regions, allowing them to form micelles, bilayers, and emulsions.

Related terms

Hydrophilic, Hydrophobic, Micelle, Phospholipids