Water in Biological Systems

Question 1

What is the ion product of water @ 25oC?

Answer 1

Kw = 1.0x10^-14 M^2

Question 2

What is the ion product of water the basis of?

Answer 2

pH scale

Question 3

What is the definition of pH?

Answer 3

-log[H+]

Question 4

What is the blood pH in humans?

Answer 4

7.35-7.4

Question 5

When does acidosis begin?

Answer 5

6.8

Question 6

When does alkalosis begin?

Answer 6

7.8

Question 7

What may the structure of a biomolecule affect?

Answer 7

Its function

Question 8

What are aspects of cell structure adapted to?

Answer 8

Physical and chemical properties of water

Question 9

What makes water molecules polar?

Answer 9

Asymmetric charge distribution

Question 10

What are hydrogen bonds?

Answer 10

Weak electrostatic interactions

Question 11

What is the maximum amount of hydrogen bonds a water molecule can form?

Answer 11

4

Question 12

Explain what is meant by the “transient” nature of hydrogen bonds?

Answer 12

Constantly broken and reformed at physiological temperatures

Question 13

What do hydrogen bonds do for water?

Answer 13

Increase surface tension and cohesiveness

Question 14

How would a salt dissolve in water?

Answer 14

The negative dipoles of water are attracted to the positively charged ions and vice versa