Water and Life

These flashcards cover the vocabulary and key concepts related to water and its role in biological systems as discussed in the lecture.

Polarity

The separation of electric charge leading to a molecule having a positive end and a negative end, influencing hydrogen bonding.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak bond formed between a partially positive hydrogen atom and a partially negative atom, such as oxygen in water.

Cohesion

The tendency of water molecules to stick to each other due to hydrogen bonding.

Specific Heat

The amount of heat needed to change the temperature of 1 g of a substance by 1°C; water has a high specific heat, meaning it resists temperature changes.

Solvent

The substance in which a solute is dissolved to form a solution; water is known as the universal solvent.

Molarity (M)

A measure of concentration representing the number of moles of solute per liter of solution.

pH Scale

A logarithmic scale used to measure the acidity or basicity of a solution; a pH of 7 is neutral.

Buffer

A solution that resists changes in pH when small amounts of an acid or base are added, typically involving a weak acid and its conjugate base.

Hydrophilic

Substances that have an affinity for water and can dissolve in it.

Hydrophobic

Substances that repel water and do not dissolve in it.