SPM Biology 4 Chemical Composition of the Cell Part 1 Inorganic Compounds in the Cell - Water

SPM Biology 4 Mind Map

Properties of water and its importance in a cell

1. Polarity of water

• Water is inorganic compound.
• Consist of hydrogen and oxygen elements.
• Polar molecules - produce hydrogen bonds and allow water to act as universal solvent.
• Allow solutes such as glucose to be transported into cells.

Structure of water

2. Cohesive force and adhesive force of water

• Cohesive force: Water molecules are attached to each other.
• Adhesive force: Water molecules are attached to other surfaces.
• Both forces produce capillary action (allow water to move along narrow spaces, eg. xylem tube).

3. Specific heat capacity of water 

• Water has a high specific heat capacity (4.2kJ/kg/°C) - 4.2kJ of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one kg of water by 1°C.
• Water absorbs a lot of heat energy with a small rise in temperature. This helps to maintain the body temperature of organisms.