unit 2 Properties of water, biochemistry and enzymes

Front

What is the high specific heat of water?

Back

Water's high specific heat means it can absorb and store a large amount of heat without a significant change in temperature.

Front

What is a solute in a solution?

Back

The solute is the part of the solution that is dissolved, such as salt in saltwater.

Front

What happens when a lake freezes over in winter?

Back

Ice forms on the top layer of the lake, acting as insulation for the water below.

Front

What is the optimum pH for enzyme activity?

Back

The optimum pH is the pH at which an enzyme is most active, often around 6.6 for many enzymes.

Front

What is a polysaccharide?

Back

A polysaccharide is a carbohydrate made up of long chains of monosaccharide units, such as starch or cellulose.

Front

What is the heat of vaporization?

Back

The heat of vaporization is the amount of energy required to convert a unit mass of a liquid into vapor without a change in temperature.

Front

Why is water considered a universal solvent?

Back

Water is called a universal solvent because it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid, due to its polar nature.

Front

What is the role of enzymes in biochemical reactions?

Back

Enzymes act as catalysts to speed up biochemical reactions without being consumed in the process.

Front

What is density and how does it relate to ice and water?

Back

Density is the mass per unit volume. Ice is less dense than liquid water, which is why it floats.

Front

What is a disaccharide?

Back

A disaccharide is a carbohydrate formed from two monosaccharides, such as sucrose (table sugar).