NAME: ________________________________ RATING: ________________________

GROUP NO. ____________________________DATE: ________________________

ACITIVITY 3
Biochemistry of Water and Electrolytes
Water is the most abundant substance and a very vital molecule found in living
organism, it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It is present as fluid in all cells. Water acts as
heat-exchange agent and as a carrier in the bloodstream, distributing oxygen, minerals,
vitamins, and hormones. Water possesses unique chemical properties that’s suit biological
systems. This characteristic is the reason why most biochemical reactions take place in an
aqueous environment. Chemically, water is a polar covalent molecule. A molecule of water has
two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to a single oxygen atom. The polarity and the hydrogen
bonds between its molecules affect the physical properties of water.

Water is an excellent solvent for polar substances. It can dissolve polar compounds,
including ionic ones. Such molecules are called hydrophilic or water-loving. All the major
components in cells such as DNA, proteins, and carbohydrates dissolve in water. On the other
hand, it is immiscible with non-polar substances like hydrocarbons due to hydrophilic
interactions.

The strong hydrogen bonds between water molecules result in an usually high
heat capacity, heat of evaporation, and heat of fusion as compared to other liquids. Hey lead to
high boiling and melting points, and to a high level of surface tension.Due to water’s relatively
high specific heat. He human body can absorb or release considerable amounts of heat without
causing more than 1 degrees of change in body temperature. Water serves as the body’s
thermal “insulator” or “cushion,” helping it maintain a steady temperature.

Body fluid contains electrolytes, chemicals which, when they dissolve in water, produce charged
ions. These ions enable the flow of electrical signals through the body.Electrolytes play an
important role in the body; they regulate the osmotic pressure in cells and help maintain the
function of muscle and nerve cells. If electrolyte levels are too low or too high, cell and organ
functions will decline, which could lead to life-threatening conditions.

The main electrolytes include sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium and magnesium. These five
nutritional elements are minerals, and when minerals dissolve in water they separate into
positive and negative ions. For example, when sodium chloride (NaCl) is dissolved in water, it
separates into positive sodium ions and negative chloride ions.

I. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the exercise, the students should be able to

1. Know the structures of a water molecules bonded by H-bond.

2. Understand why water is a universal solvent.
3. Discern the different properties of water.
 4. Determine the functions of the main electrolytes in the body.
5. Identify the different intravenous solution, its characteristics, examples and
nursing considerations

II. ILLUSTRATION

1. Draw the structures of two water molecules bonded by H-bond

III. RESEARCH QUESTIONS

2. Explain why water is called the “universal solvent/
3. Give the unique physical , chemical, and biological properties of water
4. Discuss the functions of the 5 main electrolytes in the body.
5. Differentiate the types of IV solutions in a tabular form with the following
components

TYPE Characteristics Examples Uses Nursing

considerations

VI. REFERENCE/S

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