What is the difference between hydrophillic and hydrophobic molecules?

Charged or polar molecules such as salts, sugars and amino acids dissolve readily in water and so are called hydrophilic ("water loving"). Uncharged or non-polar molecules such as lipids do not dissolve so well in water and are called hydrophobic ("water hating").

AP
Answered by Asya P. Biology tutor

17185 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain how changing one base in a DNA sequence may result in a non-functional protein being produced.


What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?


How is the structure of a red blood adapted to its function?


Two species of frogs, each found on one of two neighbouring islands yet with the same genus, are identified. Scientists believe that the two species originated from a common ancestor. Explain how these species could have evolved.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning