What term describes the polar end of a fatty acid molecule that is water-loving?

The term that describes the polar end of a fatty acid molecule that is attracted to water is hydrophilic. This part of the fatty acid molecule contains functional groups, such as a carboxyl group, that can interact favorably with water molecules, making it water-loving.

Hydrophilic substances tend to dissolve or interact well in water due to their polarity, which enables them to form hydrogen bonds with water. In the context of fatty acids, having a hydrophilic end allows for interaction with aqueous environments, which is essential for various biological functions, such as forming cell membranes.

In contrast, the other terms describe different properties: hydrophobic refers to substances that repel water and do not mix well with it, amphipathic refers to molecules that contain both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts, and nonpolar describes molecules that have an even distribution of electrons, leading to no charge that would interact with water. These distinctions highlight the unique characteristics of fatty acid molecules and their behavior in biological systems.