Spring.wmf (18300 bytes) Plant Physiology (Biology 327)  - Dr. Stephen G. Saupe;  College of St. Benedict/ St. John's University;  Biology Department; Collegeville, MN  56321; (320) 363 - 2782; (320) 363 - 3202, fax;    ssaupe@csbsju.edu

Learning Activities - Water

 Objectives:  Upon completion of this unit you should be able to:

  1. Provide some examples showing the importance of water in living systems.

  2. Describe a water molecule.  Draw an electron dot structure for water.  

  3. Explain why a water molecule is polar.

  4. Define hydrogen bond.

  5. Define electronegative and give an example of an electronegative atom.

  6. Define cohesion and adhesion.  Give examples of each.

  7. Compared to other similar sized molecules, such as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide, water has unique properties.  Explain why.

  8. For each of the following properties of water, define what is meant and give an example of the phenomenon especially how the property is biologically important:  (a) liquid at room temperature; (b) heat of vaporization; (c) specific heat; (d) heat of fusion; (e) surface tension; (f ) universal solvent; (g) density on crystallization; (h) compressibility; (i) transparency; (j) inert/reactiveness; (k) effect on shape of other molecules.

  9. Define solvent and solute.  Give an example of each.

  10. Identify the biological functions of water

  11. Define xeric, mesic and hydric.  Give examples of adaptations of plants (and animals) to these conditions.

  12. Explain why "proton" is a synonym for "hydrogen ion"

  13. Define acid, base and neutral

  14. Write the equation for the dissociation (ionization) of water, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, and carbonic acid.  Indicate which of these are acids, bases or neutral and explain why.

  15. pH is defined as the negative log of the hydrogen ion concentration.  Explain what this means.

  16. What is the concentration of protons in pure water?

  17. Be able to complete the pH sheet given in class.

  18. Define buffer.  Explain how the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system works.

 
Concept Mapping:  
    Prepare a concept map using such such terms and concepts as:  water, hydrogen bond, polarized covalent bond, polar molecule, cohesion, adhesion, the properties of water, the functions of water, hydrophilic, hydrophobic, solvent, solute, hydrogen ion, proton, buffer, homeostasis, acid, base, hydronium ion, hydroxide ion.

 
Test Yourself:  Answer the questions at the end of the chapter in the text and/or study guide and/or textbook web site.


Reading:  
    Go to the library (or web) and read some articles about water.  Then discuss them with your friends.  Some possibilities include:


Tape Recording Session:  
    Get a tape recorder and tape definitions of all the terms used in the chapter.  Use each in a sentence.  Play back the tape in your headphones as you cruise around campus.


Matching Question:
    The following is a list of some of the functions of water.  Match each to the property(s) that is associated with this function.  There may be more than one answer for some.

 
  1. Binds to charged molecules, affects shape and stability
  2. Chemically inert
  3. Density decreases on crystallization
  4. High heat capacity (specific heat)
  
  1. high heat of fusion
  2. high heat of vaporization
  3. high surface tension
  4. Incompressible
  
  1. Water has a high melting point (0 C)
  2. Water has a high boiling point (100 C)
  3. Transparent to light
  4. Universal solvent

 

  Responsible for cell growth   Provides the strengthening agent for plant tissues
  Aquatic life in cold climates is possible   Leaves loose water (transpiration)
  Aquatic plants are able to photosynthesize   Lakes are slow to warm up in the summer
  Cactus plants can be slightly cooler than their environment   It hurts to do a bellywhopper
  Cell fluids contain a rich diversity of organic compounds   Ice fishing is possible
  DNA and other molecules shape is partially dependent on this property   Dog�s pant to cool themselves
   Raindrops are round   Some insects can walk along the surface of a lake
  Water is a liquid at room temperature   Water moves up a thin tube (capillary action)
  Farmers spray crops with water before a predicted freeze   .


 

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Last updated:  01/07/2009     � Copyright  by SG Saupe

Last updated:  01/07/2009 / � Copyright  by SG Saupe / URL:http://www.employees.csbsju.edu/ssaupe/index.html