Water And Inorganic Ions Flashcards
1
Q
Explain water as key in metabolic reactions
A
- water is a metabolite.
- used in condensation and hydrolysis reactions
- required in photosynthesis
- metabolic product of respiration (important in dry places)
2
Q
Explain properties of water as a solvent
A
- transport nutrients
- remove waste (eg urea)
- medium in which metabolic reactions occur.
3
Q
Explain properties of water as it has a high specific heat capacity
A
- it can absorb large amounts of heat before rising in temperature
- minimises increase of temp in cells due to biochemical reactions
- acts a a buffer preventing temp fluctuations bc of habitat temp changes
4
Q
Explain properties of water as it has a high latent heat of vaporisation
A
- a lot of energy is needed to break the hydrogen bonds
- provides a cooling effect when evaporated off the skin
5
Q
Explain properties of water in terms of internal support
A
- strong cohesive force supports water columns ( eg xylem)
- not easily compressed so provides support in non woody plants
6
Q
Explain properties of water in terms of external support
A
- strong cohesion means surface tension insects can walk on
- water provides buoyancy for animals (eg whales)
7
Q
What is the role of sodium in the body
A
Co-transport of glucose and amino acids across the cell membrane
8
Q
What is the role of iron in the body
A
Component of haemoglobin which transports oxygen
9
Q
What is the role of hydrogen in the body
A
Determines pH so effects protein structure and enzyme activity
10
Q
What is the role of phosphate in the body
A
Structural in DNA RNA amd ATP
11
Q
What are the 4 inorganic ions you have to know
A
- sodium
- iron
- hydrogen
- phosphate
