How Do You Spell AMPHIPATHIC?

Pronunciation: [ˌamfɪpˈaθɪk] (IPA)

The word "amphipathic" is spelled with three syllables: /æm.fɪ.ˈpæθ.ɪk/. The first syllable, "am," is pronounced similarly to the word "ham." The second, "fi," is pronounced like "fee." The third syllable, "path," is pronounced like "path" and is followed by the suffix "-ic," which is pronounced like "ick." The word refers to molecules or compounds that have both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties. This unique characteristic allows them to interact with both water and oil-based substances, making them useful in fields such as biochemistry and materials science.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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AMPHIPATHIC Meaning and Definition

  1. Amphipathic is an adjective that describes a molecule or a region within a molecule, such as a protein or a lipid, which contains both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties. The term "amphipathic" comes from the fusion of the Greek words "amphi," meaning "both," and "pathos," meaning "feeling" or "affinity."

    In amphipathic molecules, one part of the molecule is attracted to water due to its polar or charged nature, while another part is repelled by water due to its nonpolar or uncharged nature. This leads to the segregation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions within the same molecule.

    This property is particularly relevant in the context of biological systems, where hydrophobic interactions play a crucial role in processes like cell membrane formation, protein folding, and enzyme activity. The amphipathic nature of certain molecules allows them to arrange themselves in specific ways, forming structures such as micelles or lipid bilayers that facilitate these biological processes.

    Overall, an amphipathic molecule possesses a dual affinity, exhibiting both hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity within its structure. Understanding the amphipathic nature of molecules can provide insights into their behavior and function in various biological contexts.

Common Misspellings for AMPHIPATHIC

Etymology of AMPHIPATHIC

The word "amphipathic" originates from the ancient Greek roots "amphe-" meaning "both" or "on both sides", and "pathos" meaning "suffering" or "emotion". In this context, "pathos" refers to "affinity" or "attraction". Hence, "amphipathic" combines these roots to convey the idea of having an affinity or attraction to both polar and nonpolar substances. This is because an amphipathic molecule possesses both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) regions.