What is the term for lipids that have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties?

Amphipathic lipids are characterized by having both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties within their structure. This unique architecture allows them to form bilayers and micelles in aqueous environments, which is critically important in biological membranes. The hydrophilic part typically comprises a polar head group, while the hydrophobic portion consists of long hydrocarbon tails. This duality facilitates interactions with both water and lipid environments, making amphipathic lipids essential for the formation of cell membranes, where they help maintain the structural integrity and function of cells.

The other options do not accurately describe this property. Hydrophobic lipids only repel water, and hydrophilic lipids attract water exclusively, while neutral lipids lack significant charge and do not exhibit the dual nature found in amphipathic lipids.