Question

review questions:

1. why is the water molecule so important to organisms?
2. what ions form when water dissociates?
3. what is meant by the term alkalinity?
4. what is produced by the body to help neutralize acidic conditions?
5. what is the name for the oh⁻ ions?
6. what is the name for the h⁺ ion?
7. how does the hydronium ion form? what is its formula?
8. why do most proteins need near a neutral ph?
9. what two substances form from an acid - base neutralization?
10. acids have an excess of __________ ions.

Explanation:

1. Water is a universal solvent, participates in many biochemical reactions, helps in temperature - regulation, and provides turgor pressure in plants.
2. When water dissociates, it forms hydrogen ions ($H^+$) and hydroxide ions ($OH^-$).
3. Alkalinity refers to the water's capacity to neutralize acids, mainly due to the presence of bicarbonates, carbonates, and hydroxides.
4. The body produces bicarbonate ions ($HCO_3^-$) to neutralize acidic conditions.
5. $OH^-$ ions are called hydroxide ions.
6. $H^+$ ion is called a hydrogen ion or a proton.
7. A hydronium ion ($H_3O^+$) forms when a hydrogen ion ($H^+$) combines with a water molecule ($H_2O$). Its formula is $H_3O^+$.
8. Most proteins need near - neutral pH because extreme pH can denature them by disrupting their hydrogen bonds and other interactions that maintain their three - dimensional structure.
9. An acid - base neutralization produces water and a salt.
10. Acids have an excess of hydrogen ($H^+$) ions.

Answer:

1. Water is a universal solvent, participates in biochemical reactions, helps in temperature - regulation, and provides turgor pressure in plants.
2. Hydrogen ions ($H^+$) and hydroxide ions ($OH^-$).
3. The water's capacity to neutralize acids, mainly due to bicarbonates, carbonates, and hydroxides.
4. Bicarbonate ions ($HCO_3^-$).
5. Hydroxide ions.
6. Hydrogen ion or proton.
7. Forms when $H^+$ combines with $H_2O$. Formula is $H_3O^+$.
8. Extreme pH can denature them by disrupting hydrogen bonds and other interactions.
9. Water and a salt.
10. Hydrogen ($H^+$)