MICELLES Meaning and
Definition
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Micelles are small aggregations or clusters of molecules that form spontaneously in a liquid solution. They are typically composed of amphiphilic molecules, which have both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) parts. The hydrophilic part of the amphiphilic molecule is attracted to the surrounding liquid, while the hydrophobic part tends to avoid contact with water.
When these amphiphilic molecules are added to a solvent, such as water, they align themselves so that the hydrophilic parts are in contact with the solvent, while the hydrophobic parts are shielded and remain in the interior. This arrangement leads to the formation of micelles, where the hydrophilic parts face outward and the hydrophobic parts gather in the core. The structure of the micelle allows for the encapsulation of hydrophobic molecules or particles within the core, while the hydrophilic exterior enables the micelle to remain stably dispersed in a liquid solution.
Micelles are commonly observed in many biological systems and play essential roles in various processes. For example, in the digestive system, bile acids form micelles to aid in the absorption of dietary fats. Micelles can also be found in the formation of lipid bilayers, where they are an intermediate stage in the self-assembly of lipids to form cell membranes. Additionally, micelles are extensively utilized in industries and research, particularly in areas such as drug delivery, emulsion stabilization, and nanoparticle synthesis.
Common Misspellings for MICELLES
Etymology of MICELLES
The word "micelles" originated from the French term "micelle", which comes from the Latin word "mica", meaning "crumb". "Mica" is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "meik", which signifies "crumble" or "small particle". In the late 19th century, the term "micelle" was introduced in chemistry to describe small aggregates or particles formed by the association of molecules in a solution. The concept of micelles gained significance in the field of colloid chemistry.
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