Questions and Answers
What percentage of blood in mammals is composed of water?
Water conducts organic materials through the xylem in plants.
False
What is transpiration?
The loss of water vapour from a plant to the atmosphere through the stomata of leaves.
The heart pumps blood throughout the body in the ______ system.
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Which of the following substances is NOT a component of water's chemical structure?
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Match the following substances to their classifications:
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Haemoglobin and collagen are important proteins in living organisms.
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Water is essential for biological reactions within ______.
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Study Notes
Water in Living Systems
- Water is fundamental for life, found abundantly in oceans, lakes, rivers, glaciers, and clouds.
- Serves as a medium for biological reactions within cells; it comprises a large percentage of living organisms, including humans.
Importance of Water in Plants
- Transpiration: Loss of water vapor from plants through stomata, essential for cooling and water regulation.
- Phloem: Specialized tissue that transports organic and inorganic materials; water aids in solute transport and photosynthesis products.
- Xylem: Conducts water and minerals from roots to all parts of the plant.
Importance of Water in Animals
- Circulatory System: Approximately 90% of blood is water; it transports nutrients and gases while removing metabolic waste.
- Water plays a crucial role in excretion, particularly in the elimination of nitrogenous wastes through urine.
Chemical Structure of Water
- Composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom (H₂O).
- Oxygen has eight electrons, six of which participate in bond formation; hydrogen has one electron.
- Water molecules are held together by two covalent bonds (one from each hydrogen atom paired with oxygen).
- Water has a tetrahedral shape with a bond angle of 105°, influenced by electron pair repulsion on the oxygen atom.
Biochemical Components
- Understanding carbohydrates, proteins, and phospholipids is essential for studying life's processes.
- Key structures to know:
- Glucose: Simple sugar that regulates energy in cells.
- Sucrose: Disaccharide formed from glucose and fructose.
- Starch & Glycogen: Storage forms of glucose in plants and animals respectively.
- Cellulose: A structural component of plant cell walls.
Proteins of Importance
- Haemoglobin: Protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
- Collagen: Component of connective tissues, providing strength and support to structures like skin and bones.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of elementary biochemistry covered in Chapter 1. This quiz examines key concepts such as the structure of water, properties of acids and bases, and the chemical structures of carbohydrates and proteins. Assess your understanding of essential biomolecules and their functions in living systems.
