What is the term for substances that are attracted to water?

The term for substances that are attracted to water is hydrophilic. Hydrophilic substances have a tendency to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, which allows them to dissolve or interact well with water. This property is crucial in many biological processes, as it enables essential molecules such as salts, sugars, and amino acids to be transported and utilized in aqueous environments. These interactions play a significant role in cellular functions, including the formation of cell membranes and the solubility of nutrients in bodily fluids.

Hydrophobic substances, in contrast, are repelled by water and tend to clump together rather than dissolve. Hypertonic refers to a solution that has a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution, which is not relevant to the attraction to water. Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar levels, which is unrelated to the nature of substances concerning their affinity for water. Understanding these definitions helps clarify the importance of hydrophilicity in biological systems.