The hydrophobic effect is the tendency of nonpolar substances to aggregate in aqueous solutions and exclude water molecules, driven by the increase in entropy as water molecules are released from structured hydration shells. This phenomenon is crucial in biological systems, influencing the folding of proteins and the formation of cell membranes.

Hydrophobic Effect

hydrophobic effect

nonpolar substances

Aqueous solutions are homogeneous mixtures where water acts as the solvent, dissolving various solutes to form a solution. They are essential in chemical reactions and biological processes, as water's polarity facilitates the dissolution and interaction of ionic and polar substances.

aqueous solutions

water molecules

increase in entropy

structured hydration shells

Biological systems are complex networks of biologically relevant entities that interact to form the structure and function of living organisms, ranging from molecular systems within cells to entire ecosystems. Understanding these systems requires a multidisciplinary approach, integrating biology, chemistry, physics, and computational sciences to model and analyze their dynamic behaviors and interactions.

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