biological compounds 1.1 (water) Flashcards
How is water a polar molecule?
The Hydrogen molecules have a positive charge and the Oxygen molecules have a negative charge
Why is it important that water is cohesive?
Cohesive- Water molecules interact with each other
Water movement through the tissue
Why is it important that water has a surface tension?
Surface tension- Molecules at the top of a body of water interact more tightly with adjacent molecules
Organisms can survive on the surface of the water
Why is the colour of water important?
Colour- Water is transparent
Plant life can grow underneath the surface, can photosynthesize
Why is water a solvent?
Water is a strong solvent due to its polarity
Water can be used to transport materials (blood and xylem)
Why is water’s high specific heat capacity important?
Heat capacity- the amount of energy needed to raise the temp
The temp of water in cells and aquatic environment will stay relatively constant, allowing enzymes to function at optimum
Why is the high latent heat of water important?
latent heat- energy needed to change the state
Water molecules absorb a lot of heat energy before evaporation. This is used to transfer energy during sweating
Why is the density of water important?
Water becomes less dense as it freezes so ice moves to the top of the water
Insulates the water beneath so that organisms can still function at their optimum conditions
