amphipathic

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/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

• Rhymes: -æθɪk

Adjective

amphipathic (not comparable)

1. (chemistry) Describing a molecule, such as a detergent, which has both hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups.
2. (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

• amphiphilic

Derived terms

• amphipathicity

 

Translations

of a molecule: having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups

• Italian: anfipatico
• Portuguese: anfipático (pt)
• Spanish: anfipático

of an alpha helix: having one surface with hydrophilic amino acids and the opposite surface with hydrophobic or lipophilic aminoacids

• Portuguese: anfipático (pt)

See also

• amphiprotic
• amphoteric
• surfactant