amphipathic
[/ˌæm.fɪˈpæθ.ɪk/]
adjective
anfipático
1. Having both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties; capable of interacting with both polar and nonpolar substances
Phospholipids are amphipathic molecules that form the bilayer of cell membranes.
Fosfolipídios são moléculas anfipáticas que formam a bicamada das membranas celulares.
2. In biochemistry, describing a substance with both charged and uncharged regions
Detergents are amphipathic compounds used to dissolve lipids in aqueous solutions.
Detergentes são compostos anfipáticos usados para dissolver lipídios em soluções aquosas.
This is a scientific and technical term primarily used in chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology education and research. It is not common in everyday conversation in either Brazilian Portuguese or North American English. The term is universally understood in academic and professional scientific contexts across both countries.
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