3.1.7- Water & Inorganic Ions Flashcards
Why is water important?
all living organisms need water to survive- major component in our cells
Where can water be found?
atmosphere, on the land, in the ocean, and even underground, in our bodies
Structure of water
A molecule of water is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, covalently bonded
Polar molecule
molecule with an unequal distribution of charge. CARRIES A CHARGE. Struggles to pass in and out of cells
5 properties of water
high heat capacity, high heat of vaporization, polar solvent properties, forms strong cohesion & metabolite
High heat capacity of water- function
Buffers and controls internal temperature (thermoregulation). Cooling effect
Large latent heat of vaporisation
Provides a cooling effect to maintain internal temperature
Forms strong cohesion between water molecules
Allows columns of water to form and move through organisms. Causes surface tension when water meets air
Important solvent
Metabolic reactions can occur. Enables waste and essential molecules to move and be dissolved
Metabolite
Important in ATP synthesis, digestion and protein synthesis
Ion
an atom or molecule that has a charge
Inorganic ions
important for the structure and metabolism of all living organisms- do not contain carbon
Examples of inorganic ions
Iron, hydrogen, sodium, phosphate
hydrogen ions- use in cells
maintains the pH and buffers the blood
hydrogen ions- importance
prevent the denature of enzymes due to them making up what pH is. Enzyme denature can have an impact on what reactions occur
iron ions- use in cells
component of haemoglobin
iron ions- importance
haemoglobin carries oxygen around the body which is needed for necessary functions. Iron also used in electron transport chain
sodium ions- use in cells
substance transport, nervous impulses & sodium potassium pump
sodium ions- importance
allow response to the environment and the co-transport of substances such as glucose and amino acids
phosphate ions- use in cells
essential component in formation of biological molecules
phosphate ions- importance
join to other molecules to form phosphate groups which are the basis for many things such as sugar-phosphate backbone
Calcium ions
strengthen bones and teeth which helps growth, development and prevention of damage
magnesium ions
making chlorophyll which is required for photosynthesis
