amphiphilic

(adjective)

Having one surface consisting of hydrophilic amino acids and the opposite surface consisting of hydrophobic (or lipophilic) ones.

Related Terms

Examples of amphiphilic in the following topics:

  • Selective Permeability

    • Recall that plasma membranes are amphiphilic; that is, they have hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.

  • Fluid Mosaic Model

    • The main fabric of the membrane is composed of amphiphilic or dual-loving, phospholipid molecules.