Water Properties and Cell Structure

Water: Properties and Cycle

Properties of Water

Freshwater: Salinity below 35g/L.

Saltwater (Ocean Water): Salinity over 35g/L.

General Properties: Colorless, odorless, tasteless. Higher density in liquid state than solid state. Universal solvent. High heat capacity. Facilitates many chemical reactions. Exhibits adhesive capacity.

States of Water

• Solid (S)
• Liquid (L)
• Gas (G)

Transitions: S --(fusion)--> L --(vaporization)--> G --(condensation)--> L --(solidification)--> S S --(sublimation)--> G --(inverse sublimation)--> S

Water as a Thermal Regulator

Water's high heat capacity means significant temperature changes require large amounts of energy. This explains why coastal regions experience milder climates compared to inland areas.

The Water Cycle

The water cycle describes the continuous movement and state changes of water between the Earth's surface and the atmosphere.

1. Evaporation: Water evaporates from the surface.
2. Condensation: Water vapor cools in the troposphere and condenses to form clouds.
3. Precipitation: Water falls from clouds as rain, hail, or snow.
4. Collection: Water returns to surface waters.
5. Runoff: Surface runoff flows towards the sea due to gravity.

WTP: Water Treatment Plant

WWTP: Wastewater Treatment Plant

Levels of Organization and Cell Structure

Levels of Organization in Matter

Atom → Molecule → Cell → Tissue → Organ → System → Organism → Species → Population → Biocenosis → Ecosystem → Biosphere

Bioelements and Biomolecules

Bioelements: Basic units of living things.

Biomolecules: Formed by the combination of bioelements.

Cell Structure

• Plasma Membrane: Envelopes the cell, controlling the entry and exit of substances. Some cells also have a cell wall.
• Cytoplasm: Watery interior of the cell containing organelles (specialized structures with specific functions) in some cells.
• Nucleic Acid: Contains essential genetic information. Can be dispersed in the cytoplasm or enclosed within a nuclear membrane.

Prokaryotic Cells

Size: 0.5-10 micrometers.

Genetic material is located in the cytoplasm.

Plasma membrane is covered by a cell wall.

Contains very small organelles.

Eukaryotic Cells

Size: 10-150 micrometers.

Genetic material is contained within a membrane-bound nucleus.

Cytoplasm contains specialized organelles.

Plant Cells: Have a cell wall covering the plasma membrane and contain chloroplasts.

Animal Cells: Lack a cell wall.

Cell Specialization

Specialization leads to a division of labor, greater efficiency, and longevity.