Biology Chapter 2: Water as Life's Medium
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Questions and Answers

What primary role does bicarbonate play in the renal system?

  • It primarily excretes hydrogen ions.
  • It stores carbonic acid.
  • It increases water retention.
  • It acts as a main buffer in the body. (correct)
  • Which enzyme is crucial for the regeneration of bicarbonate in renal tubular cells?

  • Aldose reductase
  • Dehydrogenase
  • Carbonic acid synthase
  • Carbonate dehydratase (correct)
  • What is the consequence of not regenerating bicarbonate in the body?

  • Decreased acid production
  • Increased osmolarity in the plasma
  • Increased bicarbonate excretion
  • Depletion of the buffering capacity (correct)
  • During the renal response to acidosis, which process occurs first?

    <p>Reabsorption of filtered HCO3− (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to CO2 and water within renal tubular cells during bicarbonate regeneration?

    <p>They combine to form carbonic acid. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the approximate amount of bicarbonate filtered in the kidneys over 24 hours?

    <p>4300 mmol (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do hydrogen ions play in the bicarbonate buffering process?

    <p>They are secreted into urine to regenerate bicarbonate. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect do solutes have on the local structure of water molecules?

    <p>They decrease the freezing point of water. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a colligative property of a solution?

    <p>Molarity concentration changes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the presence of amphiphilic molecules affect water structure?

    <p>They result in the formation of micelles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of increased solute concentration in terms of vapor pressure?

    <p>It results in vapor pressure lowering. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes osmotic pressure in relation to solute concentration?

    <p>Osmotic pressure is lower when solutes are polymerized. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary driver behind the attraction between nonpolar solutes in water?

    <p>A net decrease in local order of water molecules. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the relationship between solutes and the boiling point of water?

    <p>Solutes increase the boiling point of water. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does vapor pressure play in the transition of water from liquid to gas?

    <p>It determines the equilibrium point for liquid and gas phases. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which species acts as a Brønsted-Lowry base in the reaction between HCl and H2O?

    <p>H2O (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines a substance as an Arrhenius acid?

    <p>It produces H+ ions when dissolved in water. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the Brønsted-Lowry definition, how is a base characterized?

    <p>As any substance that accepts a proton. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'conjugate base' refer to in a Brønsted-Lowry acid-base reaction?

    <p>The original acid after donating a proton. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly describes a Brønsted-Lowry acid?

    <p>It must contain hydrogen and donate a proton. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the product of the reaction of NH3 with H2O according to the Brønsted-Lowry definition?

    <p>NH4+ and OH− (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which describes the equilibrium position of the reaction HCl + H2O ⇌ Cl− + H3O+?

    <p>Equilibrium lies mostly to the right. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a given equilibrium reaction, if Cl− acts as a base, what is H3O+ classified as?

    <p>Conjugate acid (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key limitation of the Arrhenius definition of acids and bases?

    <p>It includes only water as a solvent. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about Brønsted-Lowry acids and bases is correct?

    <p>Their formulas differ by exactly one proton. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do weak acids require a double arrow in their ionization reactions?

    <p>They establish an equilibrium with their ions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the pH of a 0.15 M solution of hydrochloric acid?

    <p>3.00 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which chemical species is produced when H2SO4 reacts with H2O?

    <p>HSO4− (C), H3O+ (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the molarity of hydrogen ions in a solution with a pH of 8.5?

    <p>$3.16 imes 10^{-9}$ M (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a characteristic of strong acids?

    <p>They completely dissociate in solutions of 1.0 M or less. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does pOH equal when pH is 3.17?

    <p>10.83 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the concentration of strong bases compare to weak bases in solution?

    <p>Strong bases completely dissociate while weak bases do not. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If aspirin has a hydronium ion concentration of $1.7 imes 10^{-3}$ M, what is the pH of the solution?

    <p>2.77 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the optimal pH range for the phosphate buffer to function effectively in intracellular fluid?

    <p>6.8 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which chemical reaction represents the neutralization of a base by the protein buffer system?

    <p>-NH3+ + OH- → -NH2 + H2O (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements correctly describes the role of hemoglobin as a buffer system?

    <p>Changes configuration to transport CO2 and H+. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What physiological system is primarily responsible for the rapid adjustment of blood pH through CO2 regulation?

    <p>Respiratory system (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs during hyperventilation in relation to blood pH?

    <p>Removal of CO2 drives pH higher. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component can be conserved and produced by the kidneys to help regulate pH?

    <p>HCO3- ions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the effect of hypoventilation on blood pH?

    <p>Accumulation of H+ ions lowers pH. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which substance is involved in the bicarbonate buffering system in the body?

    <p>Bicarbonate (HCO3-) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about fixed acids is accurate?

    <p>Only the kidneys can eliminate them. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary consequence of renal failure on pH balance?

    <p>Inability to rid body of metabolic acids. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Arrhenius Acid

    A substance that produces hydrogen ions (H+) when dissolved in water.

    Arrhenius Base

    A substance that produces hydroxide ions (OH-) when dissolved in water.

    Brønsted-Lowry Acid

    A substance that can donate a proton (H+) to another substance.

    Brønsted-Lowry Base

    A substance that can accept a proton (H+) from another substance.

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    Conjugate Base

    A substance that forms when an acid loses a proton.

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    Conjugate Acid

    A substance that forms when a base gains a proton.

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    Proton Transfer

    The reaction involving the transfer of a proton between an acid and a base.

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    Acidic Solution

    A solution where the concentration of H+ ions is greater than the concentration of OH- ions.

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    Basic Solution

    A solution where the concentration of OH- ions is greater than the concentration of H+ ions.

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    Equilibrium

    A reaction where both forward and reverse reactions occur simultaneously.

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    Brønsted-Lowry Acid-Base Reaction

    The chemical reaction between an acid and a base, where the acid donates a proton (H+) and the base accepts it, forming a conjugate acid-base pair.

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    Strong Acid

    Acids that ionize 100% in solution, dissociating completely into their ions. Represented by a single arrow.

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    Weak Acid

    Acids that only partially ionize in solution, creating an equilibrium between the ionized and non-ionized forms. Represented by double arrows.

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    Strong Acid

    Acids that donate all of their protons (H+) when dissolved in water.

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    Strong Base

    Hydroxides of Group I and Group II metals that completely dissociate in water, releasing hydroxide ions (OH-).

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    pH

    A measure of the hydrogen ion concentration [H3O+] in a solution. Calculated using the formula: pH = -log[H3O+]

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    Nonpolar Solute Dissolving in Water

    The process of nonpolar molecules dissolving in water is driven by entropy. When nonpolar molecules dissolve, they force water molecules into more ordered arrangements, decreasing the overall entropy of the system. This decrease in entropy is offset by the increase in entropy of the water molecules surrounding the nonpolar solute. In simpler terms, the water molecules become more disordered around the nonpolar solute, making the overall system less ordered.

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    Amphiphilic Molecules

    Amphiphilic molecules possess both polar and nonpolar components. These molecules can self-assemble into structures like micelles to minimize contact between their nonpolar tails and the water environment. This self-assembly is driven by entropy.

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    Colligative Properties

    Colligative properties are physical properties of a solution that depend on the concentration of solute particles, but not the type of solute. These properties include freezing point depression, boiling point elevation, vapor pressure lowering, and osmotic pressure.

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    Freezing Point Depression

    Freezing point depression is the phenomenon where the freezing point of a liquid is lowered when a solute is dissolved in it. This occurs because the solute particles disrupt the ordered arrangement of water molecules in the liquid state, making it more difficult for the water to transition into the solid state. The solute creates local order, making it more difficult for water molecules to assume their crystalline lattice.

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    Boiling Point Elevation

    Boiling point elevation is the phenomenon where the boiling point of a liquid is raised when a solute is dissolved in it. This occurs because the solute particles increase the intermolecular forces in the liquid, making it more difficult for the water molecules to escape into the gas phase. The solute's effect on water's local order makes it harder for water to escape.

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    Vapor Pressure Lowering

    Vapor pressure lowering is the phenomenon where the vapor pressure of a liquid is lowered when a solute is dissolved in it. This occurs because the solute particles decrease the number of water molecules at the surface of the liquid that are able to escape into the gas phase. The solute makes water less free to evaporate.

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    Osmotic Pressure

    Osmotic pressure is the pressure that must be applied to a solution to prevent the inward flow of water across a semipermeable membrane. This pressure is proportional to the concentration of solute particles in the solution. The higher the solute concentration, the greater the osmotic pressure, making it harder for water to flow through the membrane.

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    Minimizing Osmotic Pressure in Cells

    By storing substances like amino acids and sugars in polymeric form, cells can minimize osmotic pressure within their cytosol. Polymers exert less osmotic pressure than the same number of free monomers because they contribute fewer particles to the solution. This strategy helps cells maintain osmotic balance and avoid swelling or shrinking.

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    Bicarbonate (HCO3-)

    The primary base in the body that is regulated by the kidneys. The kidneys maintain the appropriate levels of HCO3- in the blood.

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    Renal Bicarbonate Regeneration

    The process by which the kidneys regenerate bicarbonate (HCO3-) to maintain the body's buffering capacity.

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    Carbonate Dehydratase

    An enzyme found in the renal tubule cells that catalyzes the conversion of carbonic acid (H2CO3) into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). This is crucial for bicarbonate regeneration.

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    Acidosis

    An abnormal state where the body's pH is too acidic.

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    Renal Responses to Acidosis

    The renal response to acidosis is a three-step process, involving: 1) increased reabsorption of filtered bicarbonate, 2) increased excretion of titratable acids, and 3) increased ammonia production.

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    How do kidneys respond to Acidosis?

    Acidosis is a state where the body's pH is too low. The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating the body's pH by reabsorbing filtered bicarbonate, excreting acids, and generating ammonia.

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    Reabsorption

    The process of actively moving substances from the renal tubules back into the bloodstream. This is essential for conserving valuable nutrients and maintaining proper blood composition.

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    Phosphate Buffer

    The phosphate buffer is effective but not found in high concentrations in extracellular fluid. It plays a role in intracellular fluid (ICF) and renal tubules where phosphates are more concentrated and function closer to their optimum pH of 6.8.

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    Amino Acids as Buffers

    Free and terminal amino acids in proteins respond to pH changes by either accepting or releasing hydrogen ions (H+). They can neutralize acids by accepting H+ and bases by releasing H+.

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    Hemoglobin as a Buffer

    Hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, acts as a buffer by binding to carbon dioxide (CO2) and transporting hydrogen ions (H+) and oxygen. Its ability to switch between oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin helps maintain blood pH.

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    Lungs and pH Regulation

    The lungs are part of the body's pH regulation system. They remove carbon dioxide (CO2) through exhalation, which helps to control the bicarbonate buffering system. The rate and depth of breathing can adjust blood pH by changing CO2 levels.

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    Hyperventilation and Blood pH

    Increased ventilation rate leads to the removal of CO2 and H2O, driving the reaction between CO2 and water to the left, resulting in the removal of H+ and an increase in pH. Hyperventilation raises blood pH.

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    Hypoventilation and Blood pH

    Decreased ventilation rate leads to an accumulation of CO2, driving the reaction between CO2 and water to the right, resulting in the production of H+ and a decrease in pH. Hypoventilation lowers blood pH.

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    Kidneys and pH Regulation

    The kidneys are the most powerful regulators of pH. They eliminate fixed acids, conserve and produce bicarbonate ions, and excrete base. Their failure can disrupt blood pH balance.

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    Fixed Acids

    Fixed (“nonvolatile”) acids are those that cannot be eliminated by the lungs, and must be removed by the kidneys. Examples include lactic acid and sulfuric acid.

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    Volatile Acids

    Volatile acids are those that can be eliminated by the lungs. They can be converted into gases, such as carbon dioxide, which can be exhaled.

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    Bicarbonate Ion Production by Kidneys

    The process by which the kidneys can produce new bicarbonate ions, which act as a base to neutralize excess acid in the blood. This is an important mechanism for maintaining blood pH balance.

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    Study Notes

    Chapter 2: Water: The Medium of Life

    • Life originated, evolved, and thrives in the seas.
    • Water and its ionization products (hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions) are critical determinants of the structure and function of many biomolecules, including amino acids, proteins, nucleotides, nucleic acids, and even phospholipids and membranes.
    • A difference in hydrogen ion concentration on opposite sides of a membrane represents an energized condition essential to biological mechanisms of energy transformation.
    • Water has a substantially higher boiling point, melting point, heat of vaporization, and surface tension (anomalously high for a substance of this molecular weight that is neither metallic nor ionic); intermolecular forces of attraction between H₂O molecules are high.
    • Water's maximum density is found in the liquid (not the solid) state, and it has a negative volume of melting (that is, the solid form, ice, occupies more space than does the liquid form, water).
    • Permanent dipoles occur when two atoms in a molecule have substantially different electronegativity: One atom attracts electrons more than another, becoming more negative, while the other atom becomes more positive.
    • Hydrogen bonding in water is key to its properties. The solvent properties of water derive from its polar nature.
    • The solvent properties of water derive from its polar nature.

    2.1 What are the properties of water?

    • Water has a high dielectric constant. Water's ability to surround ions in dipole interactions and diminish their attraction for each other is a measure of its dielectric constant (D). The attractions between the water molecules interacting with, or hydrating, ions are much greater than the tendency of oppositely charged ions to attract one another.
    • Water forms H bonds with polar solutes. Water's excellent solvent properties stem from its ability to readily form hydrogen bonds with the polar functional groups on these compounds, such as hydroxyls (-OH), amines (-NH₂), and carbonyls (-C=O).
    • Hydrophobic interactions—apparent affinity of nonpolar structures for one another. Because nonpolar solutes must occupy space, the random H-bonded network of water must reorganize to accommodate them. The water molecules participate in as many H-bonded interactions with one another as the temperature permits. Consequently, the H-bonded water network rearranges toward formation of a local cagelike (clathrate) structure surrounding each insoluble solute molecule.
    • The dispersion of lipids in H₂O- Each lipid molecule forces surrounding H₂O molecules to become highly ordered.
    • Interaction with amphiphilic molecules (compounds containing both strongly polar and strongly nonpolar groups).
    • Colligative Properties—The presence of dissolved substances disturbs the structure of liquid water, changing its properties, including freezing point depression, boiling point elevation, vapor pressure lowering, and osmotic pressure effects.

    2.2 What is pH?

    • We define an aqueous solution as being neutral when [H+] = [OH-], acidic when [H+] > [OH-], and basic when [H+] < [OH-].
    • pH = -log [H+].
    • Kw = [H+][OH-]. Kw is called the ionization constant of water and is very small.
    • pH scales & relationships
    • For pure water [OH−] = [H+].

    2.3 What are buffers and what do they do?

    • The lungs and kidneys are primary organs regulating the pH of body fluids.
    • Major changes in body fluid pH can severely affect biological activities within the cells.
    • Buffers are present to prevent large fluctuations in pH.
    • Buffers are present to prevent large fluctuations in pH.

    Acids and bases

    • In the early days of chemistry chemists were organizing physical and chemical properties of substances. They discovered that many substances could be placed in two different property categories.
    • Arrhenius definition of acids and bases. (Acids are substances that dissociate in water to produce H+ ions & Bases are substances that dissociate in water to produce OH− ions)
    • Brønsted-Lowry definition of acids and bases. (An acid is a hydrogen-containing species that donates a proton & A base is any substance that accepts a proton)
    • Conjugate pairs
    • Strong and weak acids. The ionization of strong acids (HCl) is represented by a single arrow whereas weak acids have a reversible reaction (HF).
    • Common strong acids and bases.

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    Explore the essential role of water in biological processes with this quiz based on Chapter 2. Learn about water's unique properties, its importance for biomolecules, and how it influences life on Earth. Test your understanding of the fundamental principles outlined in this chapter.

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