Answer to Question #260423 in Cell Biology for hayrunisa

Question

What are the amphipathic molecules? Given an example to amphipathic molecules in cells?

Answer 1

Amphipathic molecules are chemical compounds containing both polar and nonpolar (apolar) portions in their structure.

Detergents and soaps are familiar examples of amphipathic molecules, but many biochemical molecules are also amphipaths. Examples include phospholipids, which form the basis of cell membranes. Cholesterol, glycolipids, and fatty acids are amphipaths which also incorporate into cell membranes.