3.1.7- Water & Inorganic Ions

Question 1

Why is water important?

Answer 1

all living organisms need water to survive- major component in our cells

Question 2

Where can water be found?

Answer 2

atmosphere, on the land, in the ocean, and even underground, in our bodies

Question 3

Structure of water

Answer 3

A molecule of water is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, covalently bonded

Question 4

Polar molecule

Answer 4

molecule with an unequal distribution of charge. CARRIES A CHARGE. Struggles to pass in and out of cells

Question 5

5 properties of water

Answer 5

high heat capacity, high heat of vaporization, polar solvent properties, forms strong cohesion & metabolite

Question 6

High heat capacity of water- function

Answer 6

Buffers and controls internal temperature (thermoregulation). Cooling effect

Question 7

Large latent heat of vaporisation

Answer 7

Provides a cooling effect to maintain internal temperature

Question 8

Forms strong cohesion between water molecules

Answer 8

Allows columns of water to form and move through organisms. Causes surface tension when water meets air

Question 9

Important solvent

Answer 9

Metabolic reactions can occur. Enables waste and essential molecules to move and be dissolved

Question 10

Metabolite

Answer 10

Important in ATP synthesis, digestion and protein synthesis

Question 11

Ion

Answer 11

an atom or molecule that has a charge

Question 12

Inorganic ions

Answer 12

important for the structure and metabolism of all living organisms- do not contain carbon

Question 13

Examples of inorganic ions

Answer 13

Iron, hydrogen, sodium, phosphate

Question 14

hydrogen ions- use in cells

Answer 14

maintains the pH and buffers the blood

Question 15

hydrogen ions- importance

Answer 15

prevent the denature of enzymes due to them making up what pH is. Enzyme denature can have an impact on what reactions occur

Question 16

iron ions- use in cells

Answer 16

component of haemoglobin

Question 17

iron ions- importance

Answer 17

haemoglobin carries oxygen around the body which is needed for necessary functions. Iron also used in electron transport chain

Question 18

sodium ions- use in cells

Answer 18

substance transport, nervous impulses & sodium potassium pump

Question 19

sodium ions- importance

Answer 19

allow response to the environment and the co-transport of substances such as glucose and amino acids

Question 20

phosphate ions- use in cells

Answer 20

essential component in formation of biological molecules

Question 21

phosphate ions- importance

Answer 21

join to other molecules to form phosphate groups which are the basis for many things such as sugar-phosphate backbone

Question 22

Calcium ions

Answer 22

strengthen bones and teeth which helps growth, development and prevention of damage

Question 23

magnesium ions

Answer 23

making chlorophyll which is required for photosynthesis