hidrofilic

Hidrofilic is a term used in chemistry and biology to describe substances or molecules that have a strong affinity for water. The word "hidrofilic" comes from Greek, with "hydro" meaning water and "philos" meaning loving. These substances are typically polar or charged, allowing them to readily dissolve in or interact with water, which is also a polar solvent.

Examples of hidrofilic substances include salts like sodium chloride, sugars, and many types of proteins. The water molecules surround the hidrofilic molecules, forming hydrogen bonds that stabilize the solution. This property is crucial in many biological processes, such as the transport of nutrients and waste products within cells and organisms, as well as the formation of cell membranes.

In contrast to hidrofilic substances are hydrophobic substances, which repel water. The interaction between hidrofilic and hydrophobic molecules plays a significant role in the self-assembly of complex structures, such as lipid bilayers that form cell membranes. Understanding hidrofilicity is fundamental to various scientific disciplines, including biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, and materials science.