Ch. 2 The Chemical Basis of Life

Taylor - Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections 10th Edition

Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan10th EditionCampbell Biology: Concepts & ConnectionsISBN: 9780136538783Not the one you use?Change textbook

Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan 10th Edition

Ch. 2 The Chemical Basis of Life

Problem 14

Chapter 2, Problem 14

What do you think the effect on the properties of water would be if oxygen and hydrogen had equal electronegativity?

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Understand the concept of electronegativity: Electronegativity is a measure of the tendency of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons. In water (H2O), oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, which creates a polar molecule.

Recognize the current structure of water: In a water molecule, the oxygen atom attracts the shared electrons more strongly than the hydrogen atoms, leading to a partial negative charge on the oxygen and a partial positive charge on the hydrogens.

Consider the hypothetical scenario: If oxygen and hydrogen had equal electronegativity, the electrons in the water molecule would be shared equally between the oxygen and hydrogen atoms.

Analyze the implications of equal sharing: Equal sharing of electrons would result in a nonpolar water molecule, as there would be no separation of charge within the molecule.

Predict the changes in properties: The lack of polarity would likely alter many of water's properties such as its solvent capabilities, surface tension, boiling and freezing points, and its role in biological systems.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Electronegativity

Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons in a chemical bond. In water (H2O), oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, leading to a polar covalent bond. This polarity is crucial for the unique properties of water, such as its high surface tension and solvent capabilities.

Polarity of Water

The polarity of water arises from the difference in electronegativity between oxygen and hydrogen, resulting in a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom and partial positive charges on the hydrogen atoms. This polarity allows water molecules to form hydrogen bonds with each other, contributing to its high boiling point, specific heat, and solvent properties, which are essential for life.

Hydrogen Bonding

Hydrogen bonding occurs when the positively charged hydrogen atoms of one water molecule are attracted to the negatively charged oxygen atoms of neighboring water molecules. This interaction is responsible for many of water's unique properties, including its cohesion, adhesion, and ability to dissolve various substances, which are vital for biological processes.

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Hydrogen Bonding

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Textbook Question

In terms of electron sharing between atoms, compare nonpolar covalent bonds, polar covalent bonds, and ions.

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Textbook Question

The diagram below shows the arrangement of electrons around the nucleus of a fluorine and a potassium atom. What kind of bond do you think would form between these two atoms?

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Textbook Question

Look back at the abbreviated periodic table of the elements in Figure 2.5B. If two elements are in the same row, what do they have in common? If two elements are in the same column, what do they have in common? Would you predict that elements in the same row or the same column will have similar chemical properties? Explain.

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Textbook Question

A recent experimental study looked at the combined effects of ocean acidification and increased ocean temperatures, both aspects of climate change, on the growth of polyps, juvenile coral animals. Researchers reported the average polyp biomass (in μg/polyp) after 42 days of growth under four treatments: a control with pH and temperature maintained close to normal reef conditions, a pH lowered by 0.2 units, a temperature raised by 1°C, and a combined lower pH and higher temperature. The results showed that polyp biomass was reduced somewhat in both the low-pH and high-temperature treatments, but the combined treatment resulted in a reduction in growth by almost a third—a statistically significant result. Experiments often look at the effects of changing one variable at a time while keeping all other variables constant.

Explain why this experiment considered two variables—both a higher temperature and a lower pH—at the same time.

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Textbook Question

In agricultural areas, farmers pay close attention to the weather forecast. Right before a predicted overnight freeze, farmers spray water on crops to protect the plants. Use the properties of water to explain how this method works. Be sure to mention why hydrogen bonds are responsible for this phenomenon.

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Textbook Question

This chapter explains how the emergent properties of water contribute to the suitability of the environment for life. Until fairly recently, scientists assumed that other physical requirements for life included a moderate range of temperature, pH, and atmospheric pressure. That view has changed with the discovery of organisms known as extremophiles, which have been found flourishing in hot, acidic sulfur springs and around hydrothermal vents deep in the ocean.

What does the existence of life in such environments say about the possibility of life on other planets?

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