inorganic ions and water Flashcards
water being a good solvent does what 2
-good transport medium
-able to dissolve in may solutes
water being cohesive does what
keeps an unbroken column of water in the xylem in the transpiration stream
water being adhesive does what
keeps an unbroken column of water attracted to the walls of the xylem inn the transpiration stream
how is water used in metabolic reactions
hydrolysis reactions and released in condensation reactions
photosynthesis
water having a high specific heat capacity does what
resists temp changes making a thermally stable habitat
(takes a lot of energy to raise water temp)
water having a high latent heat of vaporisation does what
takes a lot of energy to break H bonds and change shape - stable environment
how is waters density an advantage
ice is less dense than water - making habitats
water having high surface tension does what
h bonds form - habitats for pond skaters
what is an advantage of water being clear
aquatic plants get sunlight to photosynthesise
why is water polar
covalent bonds
define inorganic ions
ions necessary for cellular activity
what are the function of iron ions
important in the quaternary structure of haemoglobin - 4 polypeptide chains (Fe at the centre of each)
presence of iron gives haemoglobin its oxygen carrying capability
what are the 4 inorganic ions i need to know about
hydrogen ions
iron ions
sodium ions
phosphate ions
what is the function of hydrogen ions
-determine ph
important for enzyme-controlled reactions that are PH sensitive
