AP Biology Notes - Chemistry of Life to Ecology

Cohesion

• Water molecules strongly attract each other due to hydrogen bonding. This cohesion creates a high surface tension, allowing insects like water striders to walk on water.

Adhesion

the attraction between water molecules and other substances. This property enables water to climb against gravity in plants through capillary action.

High Specific Heat

The property of water that allows it to absorb and release large amounts of heat energy with only a slight change in temperature, helping to regulate temperature in organisms and environments.

high heat of vaporization

The amount of energy required to convert water from liquid to gas at a constant temperature, which helps regulate temperatures in the environment and organisms.

Universal Solvent

The ability of water to dissolve many substances due to its polar nature, making it essential for biological processes and chemical reactions.

Surface tension

The cohesive force between liquid molecules at the surface, caused by hydrogen bonding, which allows small objects to float on water and creates a unique interface.

• Carbohydrates

Organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, serving as a primary energy source and structural component in living organisms.

• Lipids

A diverse group of hydrophobic organic compounds, including fats, oils, waxes, and steroids, that serve as long-term energy storage, structural components of cell membranes, and signaling molecules.