Bio Molecules Water Flashcards
What is the structure of water
H20
What are the 5 key functions of water?
Metabolite
Solvent
LHC (latent heat capacity)
Cohesion
SHC (specific heat capacity)
Is water a polar molecule, why?
Yes, oxygen attracts the electrons more than hydrogen so electrons are unevenly distributed.
What is hydrogen bonding?
Partially positive H of one molecule of water are attracted to the partially negative O of another.
What is a metabolite?
A molecule that takes part in metabolic reactions.
Water as a metabolite:
Important metabolite
Can be reactant needed to start metabolic reaction / a by product of one.
Eg. Condensation and hydrolysis reactions.
Why is water a good solvent?
Polar molecules cannot dissolve in non-polar solvent. Many bio molecules are polar so must be dissolved in polar solvent eg. Water
What’s LHC
Latent heat capacity
What is good about waters LHC?
Water has high LHC due to strength of H abounds. Vapourising water requires lots of energy - so can be used to cool down (eg sweating). Helps organisms not to have drastic temp changes.
Why is water cohesive and what’s good about it?
Water molecules have strong cohesion due to H bonds. Eg. Cohesion of water allows water to move up the xylem against gravity.
Also allows small organisms to walk on water due to surface tension where water meets air.
What is cohesion?
Attraction between the same type of molecule.
What is SHC?
Specific Heat capacity
Definition of SHC
The amount of heat energy needed to raise the temp of 1kg of water by 1 kelvin.
What is waters SHC and what’s good about it?
Water = high specific heat capacity. - reasonably constant temp
Ocean / large bodyies of water are thermally stable habitat due to this so aquatic creatures can leave here.
Evaporation of water = lots energy
