Hydrophobic Tails in AP Biology

Definition

Hydrophobic tails are part of phospholipid molecules that make up cellular membranes. They are 'water-fearing' and tend not to interact with water if possible.

Related terms

Lipid Bilayer: The basic structure of a biological membrane composed of two layers of phospholipids. The hydrophobic tails face inward towards each other while hydrophilic heads face outward towards water environment.

Phospholipids:

These are types of lipids which constitute major part of cell membranes. They have a hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic tails, like a tadpole.

Nonpolar Molecules: These are molecules that do not have charged ends and can interact with the hydrophobic tails. They're like friends who share similar interests (in this case, avoiding water).