A beaker containing water is shown. A few space-filling models of water molecules are dispersed uniformly within the water. Space-filling models of Nonpolar, Polar and Amphipathic molecules are displayed one below the other. The Polar molecule has 2 delta superscript plus charges and 1 delta superscript minus charge. The amphipathic molecule has 2 delta superscript minus charges and 1 delta superscript plus charge. The Amphipathic molecule has a strand-like structure and has a polar end and nonpolar end.
Life relies on the properties of water. Water organizes other kinds of molecules into structures that make up cells. Water organizes molecules on the basis of their polarity. In this respect, molecules fall into three categories: nonpolar, polar, and amphipathic. Water itself is highly polar. Click on each kind of molecule to see its behavior in water.