Water Flashcards
What are the 6 properties of water?
Polar molecule, Metabolite, Universal solvent, High Specific Heat Capacity, High Latent Heat of Vaporisation, Strong Cohesion between Molecules
How is water a polar molecule?
Uneven distrbituion of charge with H+ and O- so hydrogen bonding between molecules causes them to stick together
How is water a metabolite?
Used in metabolic reactions such as condensation and hydrolysis
How is water a universal solvent?
Allows gases, enzymes and waste products to easily diffuse and so, used in metabolic reactions.
How does water have a high specific capacity?
Acts as a buffer to reduce temperature fluctuations in organisms.
How does water have a high latent heat of vaporisation?
Provides cooling effect, useful for organisms in hot environments.
How does water have strong cohesion between molecules?
Supports columbs of water in plants (xylem) and high surface tension means small organisms can walk across water
