amphipathic
English edit
Etymology edit
From amphi- + Ancient Greek παθικός (pathikós, “remaining passive in a sexual intercourse”), from Ancient Greek ἀμφί (amphí, “on both sides”).
Pronunciation edit
- (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˌam.fɪˈpaθ.ɪk/
- (General American) IPA(key): /ˌæm.fəˈpæ.θɪk/
- Rhymes: -æθɪk
Adjective edit
amphipathic (not comparable)
- (chemistry) Describing a molecule, such as a detergent, which has both hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups.
- (biochemistry) Of the surface(s) on a protein, particularly an alpha helix, where one surface of the alpha helix has hydrophilic amino acids and the opposite face has hydrophobic (or lipophilic) amino acids.
Synonyms edit
Derived terms edit
Translations edit
of a molecule: having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups
|
of an alpha helix: having one surface with hydrophilic amino acids and the opposite surface with hydrophobic or lipophilic aminoacids
|