Water, Acids & Bases

Water's role in transport

Dissolves substances like glucose and amino acids so they can move into cells.

Water's role in waste removal

Carries dissolved wastes away from cells to be excreted in liquid form.

Water's role in temperature regulation

Resists quick heating and cooling to maintain internal body temperature.

Covalent bond definition

A strong chemical bond where atoms share electrons.

Ionic bond definition

Formed when electrons are transferred between atoms, creating ions.

Water polarity charge distribution

Oxygen is slightly negative and hydrogens are slightly positive.

Hydrogen bond in water

Weak attraction between partial positive hydrogen and partial negative oxygen.

Cohesion definition

Property where water molecules stick to each other via hydrogen bonds.

Water density comparison (liquid vs ice)

Liquid water is denser than ice, causing ice to float.

Hydrophilic meaning

Substances that interact well with water, or water-loving.

Hydrophobic meaning

Substances that do not interact well with water, or water-avoiding.

Acid definition

A substance that increases hydrogen ions (H⁺) in water.

Base definition

A substance that increases hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in water.

pH scale acidic range

Values less than 7, indicating more hydrogen ions.

pH scale basic range

Values greater than 7, indicating more hydroxide ions.

Logarithmic nature of pH

Every change of 1 pH unit represents a 10× difference.

pH of human blood

Approximately 7.4, making it slightly basic.

Enzyme denaturation

Changing shape due to conditions, preventing proper function.

Homeostasis definition

Maintaining relatively stable internal conditions.

Buffer function

Resists large changes in pH by binding excess ions.

Carbonic acid/bicarbonate buffer system formula

H₂CO₃ / HCO₃⁻