Hydrophobic

Definition

Hydrophobic describes molecules or substances that repel water, meaning they do not dissolve or mix with water easily. In the context of anatomy and physiology, hydrophobic properties influence how cell membranes organize and function to protect the cell's interior.

Related terms

Lipid Bilayer: A thin polar membrane made of two layers of lipid molecules; these layers are hydrophobic on the inside, allowing them to form a barrier that protects the cell.

Phospholipid: A type of lipid molecule that is a major component of all cell membranes; it has both a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail, allowing for the formation of cellular barriers.

Membrane Protein: Proteins embedded within or attached to the lipid bilayer of a cell membrane, some of which interact with the hydrophobic core to stabilize membrane structure or facilitate transport across the membrane