Biology/Detergents
Advertisement
Question
Why do detergents extract soluble and membranous material from cells?
The structure of detergents is very similar to the lipids that form the bilayer cell membrane. Detergents and these lipids both have a hydrophobic (doesn't like to bind to water) tail and a hydrophobic (likes water) head. When detergents come into contact with cells, the detergents can mix with the lipids in the cell membrane thereby breaking up the cell layer. Detergents often end up mixing with the membrane lipids and forming their own little spheres, called micelles, with the hydrophilic heads on the outside and their tails all on the inside, away from the water. Hope this helps!
Related Articles
- How to Use Baking Soda in the Laundry: Detergent Booster
- Help! I'm Out of Laundry Detergent - Emergency Laundry Detergent Substitutions
- Laundry Products - Laundry Detergents, Bleach, Baking Soda, Vinegar
- How to Choose a Laundry Detergent - Select a Laundry Detergent Liquid or Powder
- Your Baby This Month - Pregnancy Organizer
Answers by Expert:
Joy Ramos
Expertise
PhD student in Biological Sciences at Northwestern U. I can answer questions related to cell and molecular biology, especially those about the basic processes or techniques involved in the life of a cell. I can also answer questions about insulin receptors, since that is my area of expertise. I have a great interest in how scientific discoveries impact society so feel free to ask me about current "hot" science topics in the news and I will try to researcha and share with you the most relevant facts.
Experience
I am a graduating PhD student in Biological Sciences with experience in relaying science to people with non-science backgrounds.
Organizations
AAAS, AWIS, AAUW
Education/Credentials
PhD in Biological Sciences from Northwestern University - expected in Dec. 2006
B.S. in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from University of the Philippines (magna cum laude)
Awards and Honors
American Association of University Women (AAUW) - International Fellow
AT&T Outstanding Student Leadership awardee for Asia
Most Oustanding Student in Science & Technology Cluster, University of the Philippines
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.