Hydrophilic vs Hydrophobic | Substances | Cell Membranes

2 Minute Classroom2 minutes read

Hydrophilic substances, like salts and alcohols, dissolve easily in water due to their attraction to it, while hydrophobic substances, like oils and fats, repel water. The cell membrane, consisting of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts, plays a vital role in cell function and protection.

Insights

  • Hydrophilic substances like salts and alcohols are water-attracting and dissolve readily in water due to their polar nature, while hydrophobic substances such as oils and fats repel water and do not dissolve easily.
  • The cell membrane, consisting of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic components, plays a critical role in cell function and protection, highlighting the importance of these dual properties in biological systems.

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Recent questions

  • What are hydrophilic substances?

    Substances with strong attraction to water.

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Summary

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Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Substances in Cells

  • Hydrophilic substances have a strong attraction to water, such as salts and alcohols, and dissolve easily in water due to their polar nature, while hydrophobic substances, like oils and fats, repel water and do not dissolve easily. The cell membrane, composed of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts, is crucial for cell function and safety.
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