H Flashcards
What is the role of a solvent in metabolic reactions?
A solvent aids in metabolic reactions such as condensation and hydrolysis reactions
Solvents are essential for biochemical processes, allowing reactants to interact effectively.
Why is water considered a good habitat for aquatic organisms?
Water is a good habitat because of its proper properties, including density and transparency
These properties support life by allowing light to reach aquatic plants and providing buoyancy.
True or False: Ice is denser than liquid water.
False
Ice is less dense than liquid water, allowing it to float and insulate the water below.
What property of water allows organisms to float?
Density
The density of water provides buoyancy for aquatic organisms.
Fill in the blank: Water has a high _______ heat capacity.
specific
This property allows water to absorb large amounts of heat without significantly changing temperature.
How do water molecules exhibit strong cohesion?
Water molecules stick to each other due to hydrogen bonds
This cohesion is responsible for water forming unbroken chains in xylem vessels.
What is the significance of high latent heat of vaporization in water?
It requires lots of energy to break hydrogen bonds, providing a cooling effect
This property helps regulate temperatures in aquatic environments.
What allows water to support small organisms on its surface?
High surface tension
Water’s surface tension allows it to form droplets and support small organisms.
What happens to water’s temperature when it absorbs or loses energy?
It can absorb or lose energy without changing temperature
This is critical for maintaining a stable environment for aquatic organisms.
What is the impact of water’s properties on aquatic ecosystems?
Water’s properties create a stable environment for many organisms
These properties include transparency, density, and heat capacity.
