Water

water and inorganic ions

what is solvent

a liquid substance which can dissolve a wide range of molecules

what is high specific heat capacity

the amount of heat energy needed to raise the temperature of 1kg of water by 1°C

polarity

uneven distribution of charges in a molecule

metabolite

water used as a reactant in many biochemical reactions

define water’s high surface tension

cohesion between water molecules at the surface of a liquid

describe the biological importance of water as a solvent

acts as a transport medium for polar molecules causing them to separate.

It removes wastes like urea and ammonia acting as transport medium in xylem and phloem

state the biological importance of water’s high specific heat capacity

crucial for living thing which need to maintain a particular temp for optimal enzyme activity;this is done by the high water content of cells and tissues which help maintain a constant temp. water=temperature buffer

why does water have a high shc

The Hydrogen bonds resist water movement and cause an increase in kinetic energy therefore increase in temp

what is the biological importance of water’s cohesive properties

In water the hydrogen bonds cause water to form a lattice;molecules are pulled inwards causing it to move upward through the xylem

biological importance of water polarity

when salt is added to water Na & Cl ions to sperate because the force of attraction between the negatively charged part of water and Na > > the force of attraction between Na and Cl

biological importance of water as metabolite

Photosynthesis,where it's used with CO2 to make glucose in plants;likewise in hydrolysis and condensation reactions

what is an inorganic ion

not carbon based and has positive or negative charges

what are the key macronutrients important for organisms

magnesium

iron

phosphate ions

calcium

uses of magnesium in living things

used to make chlorophyll for photosynthesis.

Mg deficiency causes chlorosis which leads to yellow leaves causing stunted growth

what are the uses of iron in living things

used to make haemoglobin for oxygen transport.Iron deficiency causes anaemia

state the uses of phosphate ions in living things

nucleotides in DNA blocks;phospholipids make bones and cell membranes

what is the purpose of calcium in living things

for strength of bones and teeth.Calcium also strengthens plant cell walls

what does dipolar mean

when a molecule has a negative and positive charged end but no overall charge e.g water

what is polar

a molecule with separated charges

hydrolysis definition

breaking down molecules with the addition of a water molecule

define condensation

the release of a water molecule as two other molecules are combined into a more complex molecule