Water Chemistry & Biological Macromolecules Overview

What type of bonds do H2O molecules form with each other?

Hydrogen bonds

What property of water is described as its 'sticky' nature?

Cohesion

What is the term for water's ability to climb up a paper towel?

Capillary action

What is the significance of water being known as the universal solvent?

It can dissolve a wide range of substances due to its polarity.

What happens to water when it freezes?

It becomes less dense and floats as ice.

What is the effect of high specific heat in water?

Water resists changes in temperature, moderating Earth's climate.

What is the high heat of vaporization of water important for?

It helps organisms remove body heat.

What are the four classes of large biological molecules?

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

What is the monomer of carbohydrates?

Monosaccharides

What is the primary function of carbohydrates?

To provide cells with short-term energy and dietary fiber.

What are the monomers of lipids?

Phospholipids (2 fatty acids & glycerol)

What is the main function of lipids?

Long-term energy storage and forming cell membranes.

What is the monomer of proteins?

Amino acids

What are the key functions of proteins?

To provide structure, send signals, and speed up reactions.

What is the monomer of nucleic acids?

Nucleotides (sugar, phosphate, & nitrogen base)

What is the primary function of nucleic acids?

To store and pass on genetic information.

What happens to the pH of water when [H+] > [OH-]?

Water becomes acidic.

What is the result when [H+] < [OH-] in water?

Water becomes basic.

What is the role of surface ice on water bodies during winter?

It insulates the water below, allowing life to survive.

How does water's lower density as a solid benefit aquatic life?

It prevents lakes and oceans from freezing solid.