3.1.7 | WATER*

Question 1

explain how hydrogen bonds occur between water molecules

Answer 1

water is a polar molecule
slightly negative charged oxygen atoms attract slightly positively charged hydrogen atoms of other water molecules

Question 2

explain 5 properties of water that are important in biology

Answer 2

metabolite → used in condensation/hydrolysis/photosynthesis/respiration
solvent → allow metabolic reactions to occur faster and allows transport of substances
high specific heat capacity → buffer changes in temperature as can gain/lose a lot of heat/energy without changing temperature. helps organisms maintain constant internal body temperature
high latent heat of vaporisation → allows effective cooling via evaporation of small volume so helps organism maintain a contains internal body temperature
strong cohesion between water molecules → support columns of water and provides surface tension supporting small organisms