Search Results for: hydrophobic
Hydrophobic
Hydrophobic Definition The fear of mixing or reacting with water under a given set of reaction parameters is often referred... Read More
Amphipathic
Amphipathic is a word used to describe a chemical compound containing both polar (water-soluble) and nonpolar (not... Read More
Hydrophilic
Hydrophilic Definition What does a hydrophile (or hydrophilic molecule) mean? If a molecule is “water-loving”, it is... Read More
Plasma membrane
Do all cells have a plasma (or cell) membrane? Yes, all cells have a biological membrane that separates the protoplasm from... Read More
Polypeptide
Polypeptide Definition Biology What are polypeptides? A polypeptide is defined as a polymer of amino acids joined together... Read More
Cell membrane
Definition noun plural: cell membranes ˈmembɹeɪn The cell’s outer membrane made up of a two layers of phospholipids... Read More
Chemical Composition of the Body
In order to fully understand the mechanisms of human physiology, it is important to have an understanding of the chemical... Read More
Phospholipid bilayer
Definition noun The two layers of phospholipids arranged in such a way that their hydrophobic tails are projecting inwards... Read More
Ion carrier
Definition noun, plural: ion carriers An ionophore that facilitates transport of ion through a hydrophobic medium, such as... Read More
Simple diffusion
Simple Diffusion Definition What is simple diffusion? In biology, simple diffusion is a form of diffusion that does not... Read More
Partition coefficient
Partition coefficient (Science: chemistry) equilibrium constant for the partitioning of a molecule between hydrophobic (oil)... Read More
Facilitated diffusion
Facilitated diffusion is the transport of substances across a biological membrane from an area of higher concentration to an... Read More
Endocytosis
Endocytosis Definition What is endocytosis in biology? Endocytosis is a cellular process by which a cell internalizes any... Read More
Endomembrane system
Ever wondered how biomolecules are made within the cell and then they are released outside the cell for use by the body?... Read More
Phospholipid
Definition noun plural: phospholipids phos·pho·lip·id, ˌfɒsfəˈlɪpɪd (1) A lipid with one or more phosphate groups... Read More
Peripheral membrane protein
Definition noun, plural: peripheral membrane proteins A protein that temporarily adheres to the biological membrane, either... Read More
Concentration gradient
Concentration gradient definition Concentration gradient refers to the gradual change in the concentration of solutes in a... Read More
Beta barrel
Definition noun, plural: beta barrels A large β-sheet that twists and coils to form a closed structure where the first... Read More
Biomolecule
Definition noun plural: biomolecules bi·o·mol·e·cule, ˈbaɪoʊ ˈmɑləkjul Any of the molecules produced by living... Read More
Integral protein
Definition noun, plural: integral proteins A protein molecule or protein assembly permanently attached in biological... Read More
Spheroprotein
Definition noun, plural: spheroproteins A type of protein characterized by being globular or spherical in shape, and... Read More
Sebaceous gland
Definition noun, plural: sebaceous glands An exocrine gland secreting sebum that lubricates hair and skin Supplement A... Read More
Cell Structure
The interior of the cell is divided into the nucleus and the cytoplasm. The nucleus is a spherical or oval-shaped structure... Read More
Selective permeability
Definition noun A feature and a function of the plasma membrane that is essential to maintain homeostasis by regulating the... Read More
Membrane protein
Definition noun, plural: membrane proteins A type of protein that is attached to, or associated with, a biological... Read More
BIOACCUMULATION
Bioaccumulation - a general term for the accumulation of substances, such as pesticides (ddt is an example), methylmercury,... Read More
Permeability
Permeability Definition What is permeability? In earth science, its definition is this: "the ability of any material such... Read More
Endoplasmic reticulum
Definition noun plural: endoplasmic reticula (cell biology) A membrane-bound organelle that occurs as labyrinthine,... Read More
Chlorophyll
Why are most plants green? Have you ever had the same question? Perhaps, you’ve been told that the plants are green... Read More
Carrier protein
Carrier protein is a type of cell membrane protein involved in facilitated diffusion and active transport of substances out... Read More
Rough endoplasmic reticulum
Definition noun plural: rough endoplasmic reticula (cell biology) A type of endoplasmic reticulum wherein polyribosomes... Read More