Topic 1.1 Chemistry for life Flashcards
What is the role of nitrate ions?
to make DNA and amino acids
What is the role of calcium ions?
to form calcium pectate for the middle lamellae, muscle contraction, bone formation
What is the role of magnesium ions?
to produce chlorophyll
What is the role of phosphate ions?
to make ADP and ATP
What are the properties of water?
- high specific heat capacity
- polar solvent
- surface tension
- incompressibility
- maximum density at 4 degrees
What is the role of chloride ions?
needed for nerve impulses and many secretory systems
What is the role of hydrogen carbonate ions?
needed for buffering the blood to prevent it becoming too acidic
What is the role of sodium ions?
needed for nerve impulses and many secretory systems
What is the role of hydrogen ions?
needed in cellular respiration and photosynthesis, and in numerous pumps and systems in organisms as well as pH balance
What is the significance of water being a polar solvent?
- many ionic substances e.g. NaCl will dissolve in it
- many covalent substances are also polar so also dissolve in it
- so most chemical reactions occur in water
What is the significance of water’s max density being 4 degrees?
- as water cools further, the molecules become more widely spaced, so ice floats in water
- ## ice forms an insulating layer and prevents water underneath from freezing
What is the significance of water having a high specific heat capacity?
the hydrogen bonds between the molecules mean it takes a lot of energy to separate them. so temperatures of large bodies of water don’t change throughout the year, making them good habitats
Why is water a good transport medium?
lots of substances will dissolve in it. it carries substances like starch that form colloids rather then solutions
