Topic 1.1: Structure of Water and Hydrogen Bonding

What determines the specific properties of a biological molecule?

The subcomponents of the molecule and the sequence in which they are arranged.

What are the two chemical phenomena that water's biological properties depend on?

Polarity and hydrogen bonding.

Which three specific properties of water result from the hydrogen bonds between its molecules?

Cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension.

Polarity

The uneven distribution of electrical charge across a molecule, or the distinct opposite ends (poles) of a biological structure

Hydrogen bonding

Weak, temporary attraction between a partially positive hydrogen atom in one molecule and a partially negative atom (like oxygen or nitrogen) in another

Cohesion

The tendency of similar molecules (like water) to stick together

Adhesion

The ability of different types of molecules or surfaces to stick together

Surface tension

A “skin” on top of water caused by molecules sticking together, acting like a flexible, strong film