Definition of micelle in English:
micelle
noun mʌɪˈsɛlmɪˈsɛlmaɪˈsɛl
Chemistry An aggregate of molecules in a colloidal solution, such as those formed by detergents.
Example sentencesExamples
- One structure, known as a micelle, is a small, spherical cluster of molecules that have the phosphate groups on the surface and the fatty acid tails on the interior.
- In a second step, these helices are inserted into the hydrophobic environment of the detergent micelle.
- The team made micelles from polymer molecules that have a water-attracting end and a water-avoiding end.
- As the polyethylene oxide drew more water out of the fibroin solution, the micelles aggregated into microscopic globules.
- The SDS molecules group together to form negatively charged micelles.
Derivatives
adjective
Chemistry In fact, the affinity of anions toward cationic micellar aggregates, that is the degree of counterion binding, has been found to follow the Hofmeister series.
Example sentencesExamples
- Unlike preparations of these hydrophobic chromophores prepared in micellar form (data not shown), measured spectra were sufficiently stable over several hours to allow difference spectra to be determined.
- As the concentration of the detergent decreases from these lipid-detergent and lipid-protein-detergent micellar solutions, lipid bilayers are progressively formed in which the transmembrane proteins are incorporated.
- When the average diameter is less than 100 the system is called a micellar emulsion.
- In other words, the spherical micelles would allow more water penetration into the micellar interior and this, in principle, could lead to a reduction in tryptophan lifetime.
Origin
Late 19th century: coined as a diminutive of Latin mica 'crumb'.