Water: The Universal and Versatile Solvent

In a solution, it is composed of a solvent (as the dissolving agent) and a solute (a substance that
is dissolved). Water dissolves an enormous variety of solutes necessary for living. Waters
versatility as a solvent results from the polarity of its molecule. In water molecule, the oxygen
exerts a stronger pull on the electrons than the hydrogen, making the oxygen atom slightly
negative and the hydrogen slightly positive. Polarity and hydrogen bonds give water some
unique properties. It can also exist in nature in solid, liquid, and gaseous states. Water exhibits
unique properties that make it vital for living.

Characteristics and functions of water in a living system:

Biological solvent ability to dissolve many substances including essential molecules in the
body.

High heat capacity a large amount of heat is needed to increase in temperature; thus, it helps
in maintaining a constant body temperature.

High heat of vaporization helps in preventing dehydration in an organism.

Characteristics and functions of water in a living system:

High heat of fusion helps organism from freezing at low temperature.

Medium for chemical and physical processes can serve as a place for exchanging gases and
nutrients and elimination of wastes.

Means of transport can serve as a transporter/ vehicle in the distribution of nutrients, gases,
and collection of waste products all over the body.

Acids

These are inorganic compounds that taste sour, change color of certain indicators (turn litmus
paper into red), react with some metals and bases, and promote chemical reactions (acid
catalysis) on a water solution. Some common acids include acetic acid (vinegar), ascorbic acid
(Vitamin C), citric acid (common for citrus fruits), carbonic acid (found in soft drinks), and some
acids like hydrochloric acid (found in the stomach). Its pH is between 2 and 4.

Bases

This is the type of inorganic compounds that accepts hydrogen ions. It has a bitter taste, is
slippery, and turns red litmus paper into blue. Some common bases include sodium hydroxide
(found in soap), potassium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, and some antacids.

To describe the acidity and basicity of a solution a pH scale is used. The scale ranges from 0
(most acidic) to 14 (most basic). Each pH unitrepresent a tenfold change in the concentration of
H+ in a solution. However, to control the pH in living organisms, there is a biological fluid that
 can resist changes in pH by having a mixture of weak acid and its corresponding base known as
buffer.

Electrolytes

These are inorganic compounds that can conduct electricity within the body also known as salts
or ions. Ions are classified as either cations (positively charged ions) or anions (negatively
charged ions). Electrolyte is important in maintaining voltages across the cell membranes and it
sends electrical impulses in the nerve cells and muscle cells during the muscle contraction. Some
examples of electrolytes include sodium chloride (NaCl), bicarbonate (HCO3-),phosphate(PO42-),
sulphate (SO42-, and magnesium (Mg2+).

Carbon Dioxide

This is an inorganic compound that is essential for plans to perform photosynthesis. It is one of
the raw materials needed in the manufacturing glucose. In animals, on the other hand, it is a
waste product from the breakdown of organic food substance such as glucose. It is also a by-
product in the production of ethanol through the process called fermentation and the
combustion of fossil suels.