1.1.2 - The Importance Of Water In Transport

Question 1

Describe Water
(3 Points)

Answer 1

~ Solvent, meaning some substances dissolve in it.

~ Most biological reactions take place in a solution, making water essential.

~ Transports substances, due to them dissolving in a solvent (Water).

Question 2

Describe The Structure Of Water
(6 Points)

Answer 2

~ Composed of oxygen and hydrogen, one atom of oxygen combines with 2 atoms of hydrogen by sharing electrons, known as covalent bonding.

~ The shared negative hydrogen electrons are pulled towards the oxygen atom, the other side of the hydrogen atom is left with a slight positive charge.

~ The unshared negative electron on the oxygen atom gives it a slight negative charge.

~ Making water a polar molecule.

~ The slightly negatively-charged oxygen atoms attract the slightly positively-charged hydrogen atoms of other water molecules.

~ This is called hydrogen bonding and gives water some useful properties.

Question 3

What Is A Polar Molecule, What Is Meant By This?

Answer 3

It has a partial negative charge on one side and a partial positive charge on the other.

Question 4

What Does Waters Dipole Nature Make It Good At?
(3 Points)

Answer 4

~ Transporting substances.

Due To:
~ Water being cohesive.

~ Water being a solvent.

Question 5

Describe Waters Cohesive Properties
(3 Points)

Answer 5

~ Cohesion is the attraction between molecules of the same type, making water very cohesive due to their dipole nature.

~ This helps water to flow by pulling other molecules along.

~ Making it a great transporter.

Question 6

Describe Waters Adhesive Properties
(3 Points)

Answer 6

~ Water is able to hydrogen bond to other molecules (Adhesion).

~ This allows water to adhere to the side of vessels.

~ Making it a good transporter.

Question 7

Describe Waters Solvent Properties
(4 Points)

Answer 7

~ As water is a polar molecule many ions will dissolve in it.

~ Water molecules surround charged particles, the positive parts are attracted to the negatively charged particles and the negative parts are attracted to the positively charged particles.

~ Causing the surrounded molecules to break apart.

~ Meaning they will have dissolved.