Question

Define the term hydrophobic.

Short answer

Answer: Hydrophobic refers to the lack of affinity or inability of a substance to mix with or dissolve in water, exhibited by nonpolar substances that cannot form hydrogen bonds. It plays a significant role in chemistry and biology, influencing the formation of cell membranes, protein folding, and the separation of molecules in solutions.

Step-by-step solution

Breaking down the term 'hydrophobic'

Hydrophobic is derived from two Greek words: 'hydro' meaning water and 'phobos' meaning fear. In this context, hydrophobic refers to the property of being repelled from, or unable to mix with, water.

Definition of 'hydrophobic'

The term hydrophobic refers to the lack of affinity or inability of a substance to mix with or dissolve in water. This property is exhibited by nonpolar substances that are unable to form hydrogen bonds and hence cannot interact favorably with water. Hydrophobic substances often have an aversion to water and tend to cluster together when exposed to water, minimizing their contact with water molecules.

Importance in chemistry and biology

Hydrophobic interactions play a significant role in various aspects of chemistry and biology, including the formation of cell membranes, the folding of proteins, and the separation of molecules in solutions. Understanding hydrophobic interactions can help explain the behavior of molecules in aqueous environments and can be applied to the design of synthetic materials and drug delivery systems.

Examples of hydrophobic interactions

Some examples of hydrophobic interactions include: 1. Lipids in cell membranes: The hydrophobic tails of lipids face inward to form a barrier between the watery environment inside and outside the cell. 2. Protein folding: The hydrophobic amino acid residues in a protein tend to fold into the interior of the protein to minimize their contact with water, contributing to the final three-dimensional structure. 3. Oil and water separation: When mixed with water, nonpolar substances like oils tend to separate and form a distinct layer due to their hydrophobic nature. By understanding the term hydrophobic and its significance in chemistry and biology, you will have a better grasp of the behavior of molecules and their interactions in aqueous environments.