PHASE 1- COMMITTEE 1-MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY

BIOCHEMISTRY OF WATER
Prepared by: M.Sc. Mthabisi T.G Moyo
Department of Medical Biochemistry

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 CONTENTS
1. Introduction
- Objectives
- Importance of water in biological systems
2. Chemical structure of water
- Molecular formula
- Types of bonding
3. Properties of water
- Interaction between water and proteins
4. Water and biological macromolecules
- Interaction

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 CONTENTS
5. Water Balance in the Human Body
-Maintaining water balance for health.
-The role of hormones in regulating
water balance.
6. Dehydration and Hydration
- Consequences of dehydration on health.
7. Clinical relevance
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 LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Understand Water's Chemistry: Comprehend water's molecular structure,

polarity, and hydrogen bonding.
• Explore Unique Properties: Examine water's distinctive characteristics,
including heat capacity, adhesion, and solvent properties.
• Recognize Biological Significance: Grasp water's crucial role in biochemical
reactions and maintaining hydration in organisms.
• Comprehend Health Implications: Understand the importance of water
balance for human health and its regulation.
• Apply Knowledge Clinically: Link water biochemistry to medical conditions
and healthcare.

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 What is water?
• Water is an essential and omnipresent molecule in the realm of biological
systems, with its significance rooted in its ubiquitous presence within
living organisms.
• Serving as a universal solvent, water's unique molecular structure allows
it to dissolve a wide range of biomolecules, facilitating biochemical
reactions vital for life.
• Its versatility doesn't end there; water plays a pivotal role in temperature
regulation, acting as a thermal buffer that helps stabilize the internal
environments of organisms.
• Furthermore, water acts as a lubricant in various physiological processes
and is integral to transportation mechanisms, aiding in the movement of
nutrients,
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gases, and waste products throughout the body.
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 Chemical structure of water

Molecular Formula of Water: H₂O

• H₂O represents one molecule of

water.
• It consists of two hydrogen (H)
atoms and one oxygen (O) atom.
• These atoms are covalently
bonded, meaning they share
electrons to form stable bonds.

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 Chemical structure of water: Types of bonding
• There are primarily two types of bonds involved in the structure of water:
• Covalent Bonds: These are the primary chemical bonds within a water molecule
(H₂O). In a covalent bond, atoms share electrons to achieve stability. In the case
of water, each hydrogen atom (H) shares an electron with the oxygen atom (O).
This sharing of electrons forms a strong covalent bond that holds the water
molecule together.
• Hydrogen Bonds: These are the secondary bonds that form between water
molecules (H₂O-H₂O). Hydrogen bonds occur due to the attraction between the
positively charged hydrogen atom (H) of one water molecule and the negatively
charged oxygen atom (O) of a neighboring water molecule. Hydrogen bonds are
responsible for many of water's unique properties, such as high heat capacity,
heat of vaporization, cohesion, and its excellent solvent capabilities
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 Types of bonding

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 Covalent bonding
• In each water molecule:
• One oxygen atom shares electrons with two hydrogen atoms.
• Hydrogen atoms each share one electron with oxygen.
• Covalent bonds form as atoms share electrons to achieve stability.
• This covalent bonding creates the foundation for water's remarkable properties.

Polar Nature of Water Molecules:

• Water is a dipolar molecule due to the electronegativity difference between
oxygen and hydrogen.
• Oxygen, more electronegative, attracts electrons, becoming partially negative (δ-).
• Hydrogen atoms become partially positive (δ+) due to electron sharing.
• This polarity leads to unique characteristics in water.
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 Covalent bonding: dipoles

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 Covalent bonding: electronegativity difference:
• Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract
electrons.
• Oxygen's higher electronegativity means it has a stronger
pull on the shared electrons in the O-H bonds.
• Polar Nature Explained: Due to the electronegativity
difference, the oxygen atom becomes partially negative
(δ-), as it attracts electrons more strongly.
• The hydrogen atoms become partially positive (δ+) due to
electron sharing. This results in an asymmetric charge
distribution within the water molecule.
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 Covalent bonding: polarity
• Water's polarity leads to several distinctive properties, including:
• High Solvent Capability: Water's δ- and δ+ regions allow it to dissolve many
substances, making it a versatile solvent.
• Hydrogen Bonding: Polarity enables the formation of hydrogen bonds
between water molecules, contributing to cohesion, adhesion, and surface
tension.
• High Heat Capacity: The uneven charge distribution makes water an effective
heat reservoir, buffering temperature changes in biological systems.
• High Heat of Vaporization: Water requires substantial energy to change from
liquid to gas, a property critical for temperature regulation.
• Cohesion and Adhesion: Polarity leads to water's ability to stick to itself
(cohesion) and other surfaces (adhesion).
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 Hydrogen bonding:
• Definition: A hydrogen bond is a weak electrostatic attraction between a hydrogen atom (H)
covalently bonded to one molecule and an electronegative atom (usually oxygen, nitrogen,
or fluorine) in another molecule.
• Nature: Hydrogen bonds are weaker than covalent bonds but stronger than van der Waals
forces, making them essential for various biological processes.
• Types of hydrogen bonds: There are two types of hydrogen bond
• Intramolecular Hydrogen Bond: An intramolecular hydrogen bond occurs within a single
molecule. It occurs when two functional groups of a molecule can form hydrogen bonds
with each other. For this to happen, both the hydrogen donor and hydrogen acceptor
must be present within one molecule. They must be within proximity of each other.
• Intermolecular Hydrogen Bond: An intermolecular hydrogen bond occurs between two
or more separate molecules in a substance. The hydrogen donors and acceptors are
present in positions where they can interact.
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 Hydrogen bonding:

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 Van der Waals Bonding

• Van der Waals forces are integral to molecular interactions, coexisting with
covalent and hydrogen bonding.
• Van der Waals forces, encompassing London Dispersion Forces, Dipole-Dipole
Interactions, and Ion-Dipole Interactions, are indispensable non-covalent
interactions that coexist with covalent and hydrogen bonding.
• While not as strong, they play a vital role in stabilizing molecular structures,
contributing to biological processes, chemical reactions, and material
properties.
• Their non-directional nature and prevalence across scientific disciplines make
them integral to our understanding of molecular interactions and their
profound impact on biology, chemistry, and materials science.
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 Van der Waals Bonding

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 Van der Waals Forces in Water:

• London Dispersion Forces (LDF):

• Present in water molecules due to fluctuations in electron
distribution.
• Contribute to water's unique properties.
• Dipole-Dipole Interactions:
• Occur between polar molecules, including water.
• Enhance the attractions between adjacent water molecules.
• Ion-Dipole Interactions:
• Involve ions (e.g., dissolved salts) and polar water molecules.
• Influence solvation and ion behavior in aqueous solutions.
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 Van der Waals Forces in Water:

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 Hydrogen bonding: Formation of bonds

• Hydrogen Donor: The hydrogen atom covalently

bonded to an electronegative atom is the hydrogen
donor.
• Hydrogen Acceptor: The electronegative atom that
attracts the hydrogen atom is the hydrogen acceptor.
• Polarity: Hydrogen bonds form due to the polarity of
the molecules involved, with partial positive and
negative charges.
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 Hydrogen bonding: Significance of Hydrogen Bonds
• Water Properties: Hydrogen bonds are responsible for water's:
• High heat capacity: Water can absorb and release heat with minimal temperature
change.
• High heat of vaporization: It takes substantial energy to convert liquid water to vapor.
• Cohesion and surface tension: Water molecules tend to stick together, creating surface
tension.
• Biological Molecules: Hydrogen bonds are critical in:
• Protein structure: Stabilize secondary and tertiary protein structures.
• DNA and RNA: Maintain the double helix structure of DNA and RNA.
• Enzyme-substrate interactions: Facilitate substrate binding to enzymes.
• Drug Design: Understanding hydrogen bonding is essential in drug design and
molecular biology.

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 Hydrogen bonding: Examples
• Water Molecules: Hydrogen bonds form between adjacent
water molecules, leading to water's unique properties.
• Protein Folding: Hydrogen bonds stabilize alpha helices and
beta sheets in protein structures.
• DNA Base Pairing: Hydrogen bonds between complementary
base pairs (A-T and G-C) maintain the double helical structure
of DNA.
• Enzyme-Substrate Interaction: Hydrogen bonds facilitate the
binding of substrates to enzyme active sites.

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 Interactions of water with Biomolecules
• Interaction with Proteins: Water plays a critical role in protein structure and
function. It is involved in hydrogen bonding that stabilizes secondary and
tertiary protein structures.
• Water molecules are often found in active sites of enzymes, facilitating
substrate binding.
• Interaction with Nucleic Acids: Water is essential for the structure and
stability of DNA and RNA.
• It helps maintain the double helix structure of DNA through hydrogen
bonding between complementary base pairs.
• Interaction with Nucleic Acids: Water is essential for the structure and
stability of DNA and RNA. It helps maintain the double helix structure of DNA
through
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hydrogen bonding between complementary base pairs.
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 Interactions of water with lipids
• Polarity of Lipids: Lipids are generally hydrophobic due to their non-
polar hydrocarbon tails. Their non-polar nature leads to a minimal
affinity for water.
• Amphipathic Lipids: Some lipids, such as phospholipids, possess
both hydrophilic (polar) and hydrophobic (non-polar) regions. The
hydrophilic head interacts favourably with water, while the
hydrophobic tails avoid it.
• Micelle Formation: In aqueous solutions, amphipathic lipids can
spontaneously form micelles. Micelles have hydrophilic heads facing
outwards, interacting with water, while hydrophobic tails are
shielded inside, away from water
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 Interactions of water with Biomolecules
• Lipid Bilayers: Cell membranes consist of lipid bilayers
where two layers of phospholipids align with hydrophilic
heads facing the aqueous environment and hydrophobic
tails towards each other.
• This bilayer structure forms a selective barrier for ions and
molecules
• Hydration Layer: Water molecules surround lipid
molecules and form a hydration layer.
• The hydration layer helps stabilize lipids in an aqueous
environment
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 Water Balance in the Human Body
• Water balance refers to the equilibrium between water intake and water
loss.
• Proper water balance is crucial for various bodily functions, including:
• Temperature regulation.
• Circulation.
• Digestion.
• Elimination of waste products.
• Water balance is influenced by:
• Thirst Mechanism: The body's natural mechanism to signal when water intake
is needed.
• Dietary Intake: The water content of foods and beverages.
• Metabolism: Water produced during metabolic processes.
• Fluid Loss: Through urine, sweat, feces, and respiration.
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 Water Balance in the Human Body
• Hormones, such as Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) and Aldosterone, play a
significant role in regulating water balance.
• ADH controls water reabsorption in the kidneys, reducing water loss in
urine.
• Aldosterone regulates sodium and potassium levels, affecting water
balance.
• Consequences of Water Imbalance:
• Dehydration: Insufficient water intake or excessive water loss can lead
to dehydration, characterized by symptoms like thirst, dry mouth, and
dark urine.
• Overhydration: Excessive water intake without proper electrolyte
balance can lead to overhydration, causing symptoms like swelling
and electrolyte imbalances.
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 Consequences of Dehydration:

• Impaired Cognitive Function: Dehydration can lead to difficulty concentrating,

reduced alertness, and impaired memory. It may negatively impact cognitive
tasks and decision-making.
• Heat-Related Illnesses: Inadequate hydration increases the risk of heat-related
illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. The body's ability to regulate
temperature is compromised.
• Kidney Stones: Dehydration can lead to the formation of kidney stones.
Insufficient water intake allows minerals and salts to accumulate in the
kidneys, leading to stone formation.
• Constipation: Lack of hydration can result in dry, hard stools and difficulty with
bowel movements.
• Reduced Physical Performance: Dehydration can lead to decreased
endurance, muscle cramps, and reduced physical performance during exercise.
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 Consequences of Overhydration:
• Dilution of Electrolytes: Overhydration can lead to the dilution of crucial electrolytes like sodium
(hyponatremia). Low sodium levels can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, confusion,
and muscle cramps.
• Swelling and Edema: Excessive water retention can result in swelling, particularly in the hands,
feet, and ankles. This can be uncomfortable and affect mobility.
• Impaired Kidney Function: Overhydration can place additional strain on the kidneys as they
work to eliminate excess water. Chronic overhydration may contribute to kidney dysfunction.
• Digestive Issues: Overconsumption of water during meals may dilute stomach acids, potentially
leading to digestive problems like indigestion.
• Cerebral Edema: In severe cases, water intoxication can lead to cerebral edema, which is
swelling of the brain. Symptoms may include headaches, confusion, seizures, and, in extreme
cases, coma or death.
• Impaired Urine Concentration: Overhydration can lead to increased urine output, which may be
clear and dilute. This can disrupt the body's ability to concentrate urine, affecting its ability to
regulate water and electrolyte balance muscle cramps, and reduced physical performance
during exercise.
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 Clinical relevance of water in medical biochemistry

• Blood Composition:
- Water comprises a significant portion of blood plasma.
- It transports nutrients, gases (like oxygen and carbon dioxide), hormones, and waste products throughout the
body.
• Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF):
- CSF, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord, is mostly composed of water.
- Changes in CSF composition can indicate neurological disorders.
• Amniotic Fluid:
- Water is a primary component of amniotic fluid, essential for fetal development during pregnancy.
- Monitoring amniotic fluid levels is critical for assessing fetal health.
• Metabolic Reactions:
- Water is a crucial component in many enzymatic reactions, facilitating biochemical processes in the body.
• Electrolyte Balance:
- Water helps maintain the balance of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium in the body.
- Electrolyte imbalances can lead to conditions like hyponatremia or hypernatremia.
• Urinary Function:
- Water is essential for proper kidney function, allowing for the filtration and elimination of waste products.
- Monitoring urine concentration is valuable in diagnosing kidney disorders.

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 Conclusion

• Unique Properties of Water: Water's remarkable properties, including its polarity, high
heat capacity, and solvent capabilities, underpin its significance in biological and chemical
systems.
• Biological Relevance: Water is not merely a substance; it's a fundamental component of
life, forming the basis of body fluids, metabolic reactions, and temperature regulation.
• Water Bonding: Water's hydrogen bonding, as well as van der Waals forces, contribute to
its cohesive and adhesive properties, impacting its behavior in biological and chemical
systems.
• Interactions with Biomolecules: Water's interactions with proteins, nucleic acids,
carbohydrates, and lipids shape their structures and functions, influencing processes vital
to life.
• Clinical Relevance: In medical biochemistry, understanding water's clinical relevance is
crucial for diagnosing and treating various medical conditions, monitoring body fluids, and
maintaining electrolyte balance.
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 Study questions
1. What is the chemical formula of water, and why is it
considered a polar molecule?
2. How does water's high heat capacity contribute to
temperature regulation in the human body?
3. In what ways do water's cohesive and adhesive properties
affect the movement of water in humans?
4. What is the primary role of water as a solvent in the
context of biochemical reactions?
5. How does the human body use water as a solvent, and why
is it often referred to as the "universal solvent" in
biochemistry?
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