1. spherical structures formed by soap or detergent molecules in water, with hydrophobic tails pointing inward and hydrophilic heads facing outward
Usage: chemistry; biochemistry

Examples

• Soap molecules form micelles when dissolved in water above a certain concentration.
• The detergent’s cleaning power depends on the formation of micelles that trap dirt and oil.
• Micelles help emulsify fats during digestion in the small intestine.
• Scientists study micelles to understand how cell membranes function.
• The critical micelle concentration determines when these structures begin to form.
• Phospholipids can arrange themselves into micelles or bilayers depending on conditions.