AS Unit 1 - BioChem

?
  • Created by: LB15
  • Created on: 29-09-16 09:53
Solvent
Water molecules are dipoles, meaning that they can easily attract charged particles e.g ions, or other polar molecules such as glucose. These then dissolve in the water so that reactions can take place in the solution (is the transport medium).
1 of 8
Metabolite
Water can be used as a reactant in many biochemical reactions, e.g in many reactions within the body such as hydrolysis and condensation reactions involving glucose.
2 of 8
High Specific Heat Capacity
Water needs a large amount of energy to raise its temperature and vice versa. The hydrogen bonds resist movement (kinetic energy) therefore resisting heat energy. This prevents aquatic animals from having to adapt to extremes of water temperatures
3 of 8
High Latent High of Vaporisation
Water needs a lot of heat energy to change from a liquid to a vapour. Benefit for aquatic organisms as their habitat cannot evaporate at once without a large amount of heat energy.
4 of 8
Cohesion
Water molecules are attracted to each other forming hydrogen bonds. These are weak individually but together they stick together forming a lattice. The 'sticking together' is known as cohesion. It allows columns of water to be drawn up xylem vessels.
5 of 8
High Surface Tension
Water has the highest surface temperature of any liquid except mercury. This allows insects that are slightly heavier than the water to be supported by the molecules closest to the surface, that cause the high surface tension (e.g. a pond skater).
6 of 8
High Density
Water has its maximum density at 4C. Ice is less dense than water as the hydrogen bonds hold the water molecules further apart, therefore allowing the ice to float to the surface. Insulates the water underneath, preventing it freezing completely.
7 of 8
Transparent
Water is transparent as it allows light energy to pass through the water allowing aquatic plants to photosynthesize.
8 of 8

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Water can be used as a reactant in many biochemical reactions, e.g in many reactions within the body such as hydrolysis and condensation reactions involving glucose.

Back

Metabolite

Card 3

Front

Water needs a large amount of energy to raise its temperature and vice versa. The hydrogen bonds resist movement (kinetic energy) therefore resisting heat energy. This prevents aquatic animals from having to adapt to extremes of water temperatures

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

Water needs a lot of heat energy to change from a liquid to a vapour. Benefit for aquatic organisms as their habitat cannot evaporate at once without a large amount of heat energy.

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

Water molecules are attracted to each other forming hydrogen bonds. These are weak individually but together they stick together forming a lattice. The 'sticking together' is known as cohesion. It allows columns of water to be drawn up xylem vessels.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
View more cards

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Biology resources:

Biology
chem
See all Biology resources »See all Biological molecules, organic chemistry and biochemistry resources »