Water Flashcards
Explain the dipolar properties of water.
Weak hydrogen bonds form between water molecules as although the molecule has no overall charge, the hydrogen has a slight positive charge and the oxygen slightly negative, and so the two attract
Why is water essential in the metabolism?
It’s essential for hydrolysis and condensation reactions to occur (hydrolysis of proteins to amino acids), as well as many chemical reactions that take place in aqueous solution. Water is also a raw photosynthesis material.
Explain why the high specific heat capacity of water is good for organisms?
Water molecules are bonded together and require more heat to separate them so it’s a good buffer against sudden temperature changes. This means aquatic environments are stable and organisms made largely of water are buffered against temperature changes.
What is the latent heat of vaporisation of water? Why is it important in animals?
Hydrogen bonding between water results in the need for a high amount of energy for vaporisation, which is called the latent heat vaporisation of water. Important in animals as it removes body heat when sweating
Why is cohesion and surface tension necessary?
The cohesive force from hydrogen bonds allow molecules to be transported through tube-like transportation (e.g water through the xylem). When water meets air, this cohesive force pulls water molecules towards the body of water creating surface tension, which helps pond skaters.
Why is water important as a solvent?
It dissolves substances like gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide), as well as wastes like ammonia and urea and inorganic ions and hydrophilic molecules.
