Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

hydrophobic-core

Noun

[hī-drə-ˈfō-bik kȯr]

Definition

A hydrophobic core is a structural feature in molecules, especially in proteins and lipids, that is composed of non-polar, water-repelling regions.

Examples

The hydrophobic-core of membrane proteins allows them to embed in the cell membrane.
In the formation of liposomes, the hydrophobic-core plays a crucial role in enclosing a space for hydrophilic substances.
The folding of proteins often involves the formation of a hydrophobic-core, which stabilizes the protein structure.

Meaning

The term describes a part of a molecule that does not interact well with water, typically comprised of hydrophobic (water-fearing) amino acids or lipid tails.