BIOLOGY II

Chapter 3 Objectives

1. Describe how water contributes to the fitness of the environment

to support life.

2. Describe how the structure and geometry of a water molecule, and explain what properties emerge as a result of this structure.

3. Explain the relationship between the polar nature of water and its ability to form hydrogen bonds.

4. Live five characteristics of water that are emergent properties resulting from hydrogen bonding.

5. Describe the biological significance of the cohesiveness of water.

6. Distinguish between heat and temperature.

7. Explain how water’s high specific heat, high heat of vaporization and expansion upon freezing affect both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

8. Explain how the polarity of the water molecule makes it a versatile solvent.

9. Define molarity and list some advantages of measuring substances in moles.

10. Write the equation for the dissociation of water, and explain what is actually transferred from one molecule to another.

11. Explain the basis for the pH scale.

12. Explain how acids and bases directly or indirectly affect the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution.

13. Using the bicarbonate buffer system as an example, explain how buffers work.

14. Describe the causes of acid precipitation, and explain how it adversely affects the fitness of the environment.