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So what’s so good about water?

3. Plants and animals regulate the concentration of gases, water and waste products of metabolism in cells and in interstitial fluid:. Explain why the concentration of water in cells should be maintained within a narrow range for optimal function:. So what’s so good about water?.

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So what’s so good about water?

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  1. 3. Plants and animals regulate the concentration of gases, water and waste products of metabolism in cells and in interstitial fluid: Explain why the concentration of water in cells should be maintained within a narrow range for optimal function:

  2. So what’s so good about water? • Water makes up around 70-90% of living things; it is essential for life • Water is the solvent of all metabolic reactions in living cells, many molecules and all ions important for the life of the cell are carried in an aqueous solution and these diffuse to reaction sites through the water in the cell.

  3. Concentration of water and solutes within cells • Recall that water moves into and out of cells due to osmosis (area of low solute conc.  area of high solute conc.) • Isotonic: Concentration of solutes outside the cell is the same as inside the cell. No overall movement of water. • Hypertonic: Concentration of solutes is greater outside the cell than inside. Water tends to move out of the cell. • Hypotonic: Concentration of solutes is greater inside the cell than out. Water tends to move inside the cell.

  4. The importance of water • Living cells work best in an isotonic environment. • Any change in the concentration of solutes will result in a change in the levels of water in cells. • This usually results in death of the cell. • Concentration of water must be kept constant: To ensure the proper functioning of living cells.

  5. Explain why the removal of wastes is essential for continued metabolic activity:

  6. Effect of waste on metabolism • As a result of metabolism, waste products are formed (e.g. CO2 , water) • If these were allowed to accumulate, they would change the internal environment of the cell (affecting enzyme function) and slow down metabolism  kill the cells • This is why they need to quickly be removed, or converted into a less toxic form.

  7. When proteins and amino acids are broken down (in a process called de-amination), a nitrogenous waste called ammonia, is produced • Ammonia is highly toxic and must be removed or changed to a less toxic form • This is the role of the kidneys

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