2.4 water + its functions

Question 1

What is the importance of water to living organisms

Answer 1

• Main constituent of all organisms.
• Water is where life on Earth arose and it is the environment in which many species still live in.

Question 2

How does water work in metabolism

Answer 2

• Breaks down complex molecules by HYDROLYSIS e.g amino acids. Also produced in condensation reactions
• Chemical reactions take place in an aqueous medium.
• Major material in photosynthesis.

Question 3

How does water work as a solvent

Answer 3

• Dissolves other substances such as:
• oxygen and carbon dioxide
• wastes such as ammonia and urea

Question 4

What are important features of water

Answer 4

• Its evaporations cools organisms thus allowing them to control their temp.
• Not easily compressed = support
• Transparent = Aquatic plants can photosynthesise.

Question 5

Explain why a water molecule is dipolar

Answer 5

The water molecule has both positive and negative poles and is therefore described as dipolar.