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/
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

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

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