3.1.7 Water Flashcards
What is the structure of a water molecule?
Two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to an oxygen atom
Why is water a dipolar molecule?
It has a positive region (hydrogens are δ+) and negative regions (oxygen is δ2-)
What bonds are formed between water molecules at room temperature?
Hydrogen bonds
What is the importance of water in metabolic reactions?
It is a metabolite (reactant/product) in many metabolic reactions (e.g. condensation + hydrolysis)
It is a solvent which substances could dissolve in - most metabolic reactions take place in solution
What are the benefits of water’s high specific heat capacity and high latent heat of vaporisation?
So that organisms have a stable internal temperature and aquatic environment to live in
What is the benefits of water molecules’ cohesion
It gives water a high surface tension, allowing organisms to skate over
As water molecules stick together, when water is evaporated via transpiration, this will pull water molecules upwards, drawing more water through the roots via osmosis
What is the benefits of water being colourless?
Allows light to penetrate for reactions such as photosynthesis
What is the benefits of water having low viscosity?
As they can slide over each other easily, this helps with transportation through xylem tube
How does water dissolve ions?
Water is polar: negative end will be attracted to positive ions and positive end will be attracted to negative ions, surrounding them - hence dissolve
