Organic Cycles

Question 1

Properties of Water

Answer 1

• absorbs and releases energy which regulates tempurature flucuations
• medium for metabolic reactions
• universal solvent
• makes up 60% of a cell’s mass
• supplies hydrogen and oxygen atoms for metabolic processes
• a reactant or product for some metabolic activities

Question 2

The Water Molecule

Answer 2

• hydrogen and oxygen atoms are held by covalent bonds
• polar molecule
• attraction between opposing charges of different molecules creates a hydrogen bond
• hydrogen bonding explains the boiling and melting points of water and the cohesion of water

Question 3

Hydrological Cycle

Answer 3

1. Surface water absorbs heat from the sun and evaporates into water vapour
2. Water vapour rises into the atmosphere until the tempurature is low enough for the vapour to condense into water droplets
3. At right conditions, the water droplets combine and fall as precipitation1

Question 4

Acid Deposition

Answer 4

1. Agricultural and industrial processes produce sulfur and nitrous oxides
2. Gases rise into the atmosphere and combine with water droplets to form acids