2.4: Water and it's functions
Water has key properties like high specific heat capacity, high latent heat of vaporisation, and strong cohesion due to hydrogen bonding—making it vital for temperature regulation and transport. It also plays essential roles in metabolism, acts as a universal solvent, and provides a medium for biochemical reactions.
Properties of water
High specific heat capacity- acts as a buffer against sudden temperature changes in organisms
High latent heat of vaporisation- sweating is an effective cooling method for organisms
Cohesion- hydrogen bonding leads to large cohesive forces which allow water to be pulled through a tube
Key Terms
Properties of water
High specific heat capacity- acts as a buffer against sudden temperature changes in organisms
High latent heat of vaporisati...
water in metabolism
used in hydrolysis and condensation reactions
chemical reactions take place in aqueous medium
water used in p...
water as a solvent
carbon dioxide and oxygen
wastes such as urea and ammonia
inorganic ions and small hydrophilic molecules
<...
other important features of water
its evaporation allows organisms to control their temperature and cool themseleves
not easily compressed so provides support...
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| Term | Definition |
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Properties of water |
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water in metabolism |
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water as a solvent |
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other important features of water |
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