1.7 Water Flashcards
1
Q
What are the 5 important biological qualities of water
A
- Metabolite
- Solvent
- High SHC
- large LHV
- Strong cohesion between molecules
2
Q
Describe the biological importance of water being a metabolite
A
Allows condensation and hydrolysis reactions to occur
3
Q
Describe the biological importance of water having a high specific heat capacity
A
Buffers changes in temperature
3
Q
Describe the biological importance of water being a solvent
A
Allows metabolic reactions to occur
4
Q
Describe the biological importance of water having a large latent heat of vapourisation
A
Provides a cooling effect through evaporation
5
Q
Describe the biological importance of water having strong cohesion between molecules
A
- Supports columns of water in xylem
- Produces surface tension at air-water interface supporting small organisms
