Water and Life Lecture Notes

Flashcards covering key concepts related to water and its importance to life, including its physical properties, molecular characteristics, and behavior in biological systems.

Water plays a vital role in life as it supports all life and represents __ of the biosphere.

¾

Cells are composed of __% water.

70-95

Water exists in three states: __, __, and __.

liquid, solid, gas

The molecular formula for water is __.

H2O

The water molecule has a __ bonding capacity due to the oxygen atom.

2

Hydrogen bonds can form between water molecules, allowing them to bond with up to __ neighbors.

4

When water absorbs lots of energy without greatly changing its temperature, it acts as a __.

heat bank

The phenomenon of water molecules 'sticking' to cell walls due to hydrogen bonds is known as __.

adhesion

A __ is a completely homogenous mixture where water acts as the solvent.

solution

Water is considered the solvent of life because it can form hydrogen bonds with __ substances.

polar and ionic

Hydrophilic substances are described as being __, meaning they have an affinity for water.

water-loving

Hydrophobic substances are considered __, meaning they have an aversion to water.

water-fearing

The pH scale measures the concentration of __ in a solution.

hydrogen ions [H+]

An acid increases the __ concentration in a solution.

[H+]