Water

Question 1

WHY IS WATER IMPORTANT?

Answer 1

1. It is a major component of cells, typically forming between 70-95% of the mass of the cell
2. It provides an environment for those organisms that live in water

Question 2

WHAT ARE THE PROPERTIES OF WATER?

Answer 2

1. Water is liquid at most temperature on Earth’s surface
2. Because water is a liquid it provides a medium for molecules and ions to mix in and hence a medium in which life can evolve
3. Ions dissolve in water making it ideal add a transport medium, and it cause non-polar molecules to group together.
4. Water had a high specific heat capacity which makes water more resistant to changes in temperature.
5. Water had a high latent heat of vaporization. Which means that a large amount of heat energy can be lost for relatively little water loss, reducing the risk of dehydration. E.g. in sweating.

Question 3

ROLES OF WATER

Answer 3

1. Water is responsible for getting rid of wastes/toxins through urine and sweat
2. Water acts as a medium for chem reactions
3. Water has high specific heat capacity which makes it more resistant to temp change and also helps to maintain the body temp
4. Water acts as a solvent fo ions and polar molecules
5. Water is the most important biomolecule as it forms between 70-95% of the mass of the cells and around 3 1/4 of the earth is covered in water