Biochemistry+Water


 * WATER (H** 2 **O)**
 * **WATER** is the most abundant and important (due to its properties) inorganic compound in living organisms
 * 60%–80% volume of living cells
 * __Water properties:[[image:ucanaandp/Water.jpg width="320" height="213" align="right"]]__


 * 1. High heat capacity**
 * Absorbs and releases heat with little temperature change
 * Prevents sudden changes in temperature


 * 2. High heat of vaporisation**
 * Evaporation requires large amounts of heat
 * Useful cooling mechanism


 * 3. Polar solvent properties**
 * Dissolves and dissociates ionic substances
 * Forms hydration layers around large charged molecules, e.g., proteins (colloid formation)
 * Body’s major transport medium


 * Surface tension**


 * 4. Reactivity**
 * Necessary part of hydrolysis and dehydration synthesis reactions
 * 5. Cushioning**
 * Protects certain organs from physical trauma, e.g., cerebrospinal fluid

**Dissociation of salt in water **



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