Hydrophobic/Hydrophilic Flashcards
What are Hydrophobic Interactions?
Does not readily dissolve in water-Non Polar -repels water
Hydrophobic interaction- non-polar molecules cluster together to minimise exposure to water
Why are Hydrophobic Interactions favorable in aqueous environments?
Reduces disruption of the hydrogen bonds in water
Example - fatty acid tails in phospholipids
What is the role of Hydrophobic Interactions in Proteins?
Crucial for protein folding → non polar amino acids side chains are buried in the interior of proteins (away from water) helping proteins maintain stable functional shape
What are hydrophilic interactions?
Hydrophilic - Readily dissolves in water - polar/charged
Example of hydrophilic interaction
phosphate head of phospholipid in cell membrane is hydrophilic interacting with water on either side of membrane
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