What Word Describes a Molecule That Contains Both Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic

Question

What word describes a molecule that contains both hydrophilic and hydrophobic portions?
A)amphoteric
B)ambidextrous
C)amphipathic
D)rings
E)straight

Accepted Answer

The word that describes a molecule that contains both hydrophilic and hydrophobic portions is "amphipathic". The prefix "amphi-" means "both" or "double", and "pathos" means "suffering" or "feeling". In the case of a molecule, the hydrophilic portion "feels" water-loving, while the hydrophobic portion "suffers" water-fearing. The choice letter C, "amphipathic", is the best answer.