Inorganic Compounds: The Structure and Function of Water

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture on water’s structure, properties, and roles as an essential inorganic compound in human physiology.

Inorganic Compound

A substance that does not contain both carbon and hydrogen atoms.

Organic Compound

A substance that contains both carbon and hydrogen atoms and is synthesized by living organisms.

Water (H₂O)

A polar molecule whose partial charges allow hydrogen bonding, giving it unique roles in the human body.

Polar Covalent Bond

A covalent bond that produces unequal sharing of electrons, creating partial positive and negative charges.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak attraction between a slightly positive hydrogen atom and a slightly negative atom of another molecule.

Water as a Lubricant

Water-containing fluids reduce friction in joints, lungs, digestive tract, and between moving organs.

Water as a Cushion

Water absorbs physical shock, protecting the brain, eyes, and a developing fetus from trauma.

Heat Sink

A substance (such as water) that absorbs and dissipates heat without a large increase in temperature.

Solvent

The component of a solution present in greater amount that dissolves the solute; in the body, most often water.

Solute

The component of a solution present in lesser amount that is dissolved by the solvent.

Solution

A homogeneous mixture in which solute molecules are evenly distributed within a solvent.

Hydrophilic

Describes polar or ionic substances that readily dissolve in water; literally “water-loving.”

Hydrophobic

Describes non-polar substances that do not dissolve in water; literally “water-fearing.”

Dehydration Synthesis Reaction

A chemical reaction that forms a covalent bond between reactants by removing a molecule of water.

Hydrolysis Reaction

A decomposition reaction in which water is added to split a compound’s bond, breaking it into smaller parts.