Topic 1A – Molecules, transport and health

1.1 Importance of water as a solvent in transport and dipole nature of water

Dipole nature
 Constituent elements of water ……………………..
 A …………………… is present between H and O (p.5 of TB)
 Covalent bonds are made by sharing …………….. between
the atoms of the same of different elements
 Bond electrons of covalent bond are more attracted
towards ………………
 This gives a slight negative charge on O (δ-) and a
slight positive charge on H (δ+) – a ………………
 Water is a ………….. molecule

Hydrogen bonds in water

 Slightly negative ….. atom of one water molecules attracts to
the slightly positive ……. atom of another water molecule via
weak (weaker than covalent bonds) electrostatic attractions called
………………. bonds.
 Hydrogen bonds are strong …………………………… forces
 Water has unusual properties compared to molecules having a
similar molecular weight due to H bonds. These properties make
water an essential molecule in biological systems (p.7 of TB)

Specific property Contribution to the maintenance of life

Dipole nature Good solvent and transport medium
…………………………………….. ice floats on water in the winter season; aquatic organisms can survive in winter
Water heats and cools slowly hence no sudden and big temperature changes.
…………………………………….. Biological reactions releasing a lot of heat happen within living organisms
without temperature fluctuations. Water is a good habitat for aquatic organisms
For hydraulic mechanisms (fluid pressure changes in a sealed space allow power
A liquid; cannot be transmission) of living organisms; e.g. circulatory system of humans, spiders use
compressed hydraulic force in locomotion, water vascular system of star fish in locomotion,
mollusks, worms, some insects use hydraulic transmission
………………forces between To maintain continuous water column within plants (xylem) in upward
water molecules movement of water
……………. forces between
To maintain continuous water column within plants (xylem) in upward
water and other
movement of water, in surface tension.
molecules
Surface tension-ability to withstand rupturing when placed under tension. Small
High ……………………………..
insects can walk on water masses. For plant transport systems
Water as a solvent in transport
 Water is a polar ……………….. Polar solutes dissolve in water.
e.g. ionic substances (e.g. ) (p.6 of TB)
polar covalent substances (glucose, ……………………..)

 Therefore most of the biochemical reactions of living organisms occur in an aqueous medium.
 Water transports many different substances that dissolve in it
e.g. water is the major constituent of blood plasma. Nutrients (glucose, amino acids, vitamins),
excretory products (urea), respiratory gases (oxygen), hormones are carried throughout the body via
blood.
Plant mineral nutrients (calcium, magnesium, nitrate ions)
Phloem translocation (………….)

 Cohesive and adhesive forces of water are important in transport function.

 ……………… forces – attractive forces between water molecules
 ……………… forces – attractive forces between water and other molecues