One way to think of these rules is the following. What we do to one side of an equation we have to do to the other side of the equation. If you remember that then you will always get these facts correct. In this section we will be solving linear equations and there is a nice simple process for solving linear equations.
Hydrophobic ~ water hating. In more depth, these terms have much to do with the structure of water itself. Water consists of two hydrogen atoms joined to one oxygen atom, all in a triangular pattern. The oxygen is negatively charged whilst the hydrogen end is positively charged.
The quintessential characteristic of lipids is their nonpolar nature, meaning they do not mix well with water. In fact, they avoid water as best as they can. This nonpolar nature of hydrocarbon chains is an essential feature of living things, since hydrocarbon chains make up the membranes of cells.