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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
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