Atom
The smallest component of an element, made up of neutrons, protons, and electrons. [1]
Hydrophobic
Hydrophobic molecules do not interact with water and are not soluble in water. Hydrophobic compounds do not dissolve easily in water, and are usually non-polar. Oils and other long hydrocarbons are hydrophobic. [1]
Hydrophilic
Hydrophobic molecules have a strong affinity for water and tend to dissolve in, mix with, or be wetted by water. [1]
Lipids
A group of organic compounds, including the fats, oils, waxes, steroids, and triglycerides, that are insoluble in water but soluble in common organic solvents, and are oily to the touch. Together with carbohydrates and proteins, lipids constitute the principal structural materials of cells. [1]
Micelle
A tiny particle made of substances that are soluble in water and that come together to form a ball-like shape. These particles can carry other substances inside them. [2]
Molecule
A small particle composed of two or more atoms. Molecules are a stable configuration of atomic nuclei and electrons bound together by electrostatic and electromagnetic forces. They have characteristic physical and chemical properties, different from the atoms of which they are composed. [1]
Organic
Organic materials are produced by the metabolism of a living organism, especially carbon-containing compounds. [1]
Polarity
The state of electron density of a molecule. A polar molecule’s electron density is unevenly distributed with some areas more negatively or positively charged than others. A nonpolar molecule’s electron density (and charge) is more evenly distributed.
Protein
A large complex molecule made up of one or more chains of amino acids. Proteins perform a wide variety of essential activities in cells and the activities of cells. Organisms are largely reflections of the activities of their proteins. [1]
Sea foam
Bubbles that form on the surface of the ocean when organic matter is churned up by the wind and surf. [3]
Surfactant
Molecules that consist of hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups. They have many special properties, one of which is forming micelles. This broad class of molecules includes soaps, chemicals in our lungs, and some dispersants used in oil spill cleanups. [4]
References
[1] NOAA Coral Reef Information System. CoRIS Glossary and Acronym List. NOAA. https://www.coris.noaa.gov/glossary/welcome.html
[2] NIH National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms. NCI. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/micelle
[3] National Ocean Service. What is seafoam? NOAA. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/seafoam.html
[4] EPA. EPA’s Safer Choice Standard. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2013-12/documents/standard-for-safer-products.pdf