Biological importance of Water Flashcards
What is it about water that allows it to act like a solvent?
It’s POLARITY. So the slightly positive and negative ends allow it to pull ions apart.
What are the bonds called that hold water molecules together?
Hydrogen bonds.
Why is water important in transport?
Transport fluids in our bodies are all water-based e.g. Blood, plasma, cytoplasm.
Plants uptake of minerals from the soil occurs in solution.
Why is water important in chemical reactions?
It’s thermal stability and solvent properties make it an ideal environment for reactions.
Enzyme reactions happen in water.
Why is water important for temperature control?
Essential for enzymes to work in the right temperatures.
High specific heat capacity allows water to act like a buffer.
Evaporation is a cooling mechanism.
Why is water important for movement?
Leeches and earthworms move with a hydrostatic skeleton.
Why is water important for support in animals?
Water filled tissues gives skeletal support in animals.
Why is water important for support in plants?
Water makes plant cells turgid which maximises leaf surface for better light absorption hence more photosynthesis.
What importance does water play in reproduction?
In sexual reproduction, gametes move towards each other in water.
Mammal foetus develops in a water-filled sac for stability.
Which atoms are positive and which are negative in a water molecule?
Hydrogens are slightly positive
Oxygen is slightly negative.
