Science in Society

What is the “universal solvent”?

Water, because it can dissolve many substances such as ions, sugars, amino acids, and other polar molecules.

What is water’s role as a transport medium?

It carries nutrients, gases, ions, and waste products through cells and throughout an organism.

What is specific heat capacity?

The amount of heat needed to change a substance’s temperature.

Why is water’s high specific heat capacity important?

Water absorbs and releases heat slowly, helping protect organismsfrom sudden temperature changes.

What is evaporative cooling?

The process of releasing heat when water evaporates, such as sweatingin humans or transpiration in plants.

What is turgor pressure?

Pressure created by water inside plant cells that helps maintain their shape and structure.

Where does photosynthesis primarily occur in a leaf?

The mesophyll.

What organelle is responsible for photosynthesis?

The chloroplast.

What pigment gives plants their green color and helps absorb light?

Chlorophyll.

What happens to water during the light-dependent reactionsof photosynthesis?

Water is split apart.

What does splitting water provide for photosynthesis?

Hydrogen atoms that help form glucose.

What is released when water is split during photosynthesis?

Oxygen

Why is photosynthesis important?

It produces oxygen, makes glucose, supports food chains, removes carbon dioxide, stores carbon, and helps regulate Earth’s climate.

Why is glucose important to plants?

It provides food/energy that plants use to grow.

Why is photosynthesis important to food chains?

Plants provide the energy that supports most food chains.

Can photosynthesis occur without water?

No

What is cellular respiration?

The process of breaking down glucose in the presence of oxygen torelease energy as ATP.

Where does cellular respiration primarily occur?

In the mitochondria.

What is water pollution?

Contamination of water bodies by harmful substances that make waterunsafe for organisms and human use.

20. What are examples of water bodies that can be polluted?

→ Rivers, lakes, oceans, and groundwater.

21. What are two major types of water pollutants?

→ Chemical and biological pollutants.

22. What are some causes of water pollution?

→ Plastics/trash, natural disasters, runoff, sewage, wastewater, oil spills, chemical spills, and industrial discharge.

23. What is industrial discharge?

→ Chemicals, heavy metals, heated water, and other substances releasedfrom factories.

24. How much wastewater globally is released without proper treatment, according to your notes?

→ Over 80%.

25. What are three major impacts of water pollution?

→ Human health, ecosystems, and the economy.

26. How can water pollution affect human health?

→ It can cause diseases, and excessive nitrates can harm people.

27. How can water pollution affect ecosystems?

→ Plastics and microplastics can enter food chains and pollution can damage ecosystems.

28. How can water pollution affect the economy?

→ It increases cleanup costs and can cause losses in fisheries, tourism, and recreation.