Question

Define the term hydrophobic.

Short answer

Answer: Hydrophobic refers to the property of being 'water-fearing' or 'water-repelling', meaning that hydrophobic substances do not readily mix with water or other polar solvents. This is generally due to their nonpolar molecular structure. Hydrophobic interactions are crucial in biological phenomena such as the formation of cell membranes, protein folding, and enzyme function.

Step-by-step solution

Definition

Hydrophobic refers to the property of being 'water-fearing' or 'water-repelling'. It is used to describe substances that do not readily form bonds or mix with water or other polar solvents.

Molecular basis

Usually, hydrophobic molecules are nonpolar, meaning that they have an even distribution of electrons, which prevents them from forming hydrogen bonds with water molecules. Some examples of hydrophobic molecules include fats, oils, and waxy substances.

Importance in biology

Hydrophobic interactions play a crucial role in many biological phenomena, such as the formation of cell membranes, the folding of proteins, and the functioning of enzymes. In cell membranes, hydrophobic interactions cause the lipid bilayer to form, which acts as a selective barrier for the cell. In proteins, hydrophobic interactions drive the folding process, which is essential for the proper functioning of the protein.