Glucose is considered a hydrophilic molecule. This means that it has an affinity for water and can readily dissolve in it. The structure of glucose contains multiple hydroxyl (-OH) groups, which are polar and can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. This interaction allows glucose to easily mix with water, making it soluble.
In contrast, hydrophobic molecules are typically nonpolar and do not interact favorably with water, often repelling it instead. Glucose’s polar nature and the presence of its hydroxyl groups distinguish it as hydrophilic, playing a crucial role in biological processes such as metabolism, where its solubility facilitates transport in the bloodstream.