amphipathic
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English
Etymology
From amphi- + Ancient Greek παθικός (pathikós, “remaining passive in a sexual intercourse”), from Ancient Greek ἀμφί (amphí, “on both sides”).
Pronunciation
- (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˌam.fɪˈpaθ.ɪk/
- (General American) IPA(key): /ˌæm.fəˈpæ.θɪk/
- Rhymes: -æθɪk
Adjective
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
Derived terms
Translations
of a molecule: having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups
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of an alpha helix: having one surface with hydrophilic amino acids and the opposite surface with hydrophobic or lipophilic aminoacids
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