Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The hydrophilic part of a molecule is the section that is attracted to water. It's typically polar or charged, allowing it to interact with and dissolve in water.
Polarity refers to the distribution of electric charge in a molecule. Polar molecules have uneven charges which allow them to interact with other polar substances like water.
Solubility: Solubility is the ability of a substance (solute) to dissolve in a solvent (like water). Hydrophilic substances are generally soluble in water due to their polarity or charge.