Introduction to Biochemistry
Biophysical ChemistryWater, pH, Weak
acids and Bases, Buffers
Learning Outcomes
1. Explain the properties of water and how they are related to its functio
2. Water self-ions. What are the implications?
3. Illustrate the formation of hydrogen bonds between water molecules
4. Explain the importance of water as a solvent as well as its roles rela
high latent heat of vaporization, specific heat capacity, density an
tension.
,5. Use the Henderson – Hasselbalch Equation to calculate the pH, aci
concentration or the pKa.
6. Define and understand the weak acids and bases, pH and pK a deter
buffers and their role in biological systems.
7. Understand the physiological important buffer systems.
The Properties Water
• With 70% of our earth being ocean water and more than 65% of ou
being water, it is hard to not be aware of how important it is in our lives
• There are 3 different forms of water, or H2O: solid (ice), liquid (water)
(steam). The unique properties of water, include:
, 1. Boiling Point and Freezing Point
2. Surface Tension, Heat of Vaporization, and Vapour Pressure
3. Viscosity and Cohesion
4. Solid State
5. Liquid State
6. Gas State
• The first living organisms on Earth arose in the aqueous environment.
Water’s Life-Supporting Properties
1. Water is a polar molecule
The water molecule is bent, not linear, and so the distribution of cha
asymmetric. The oxygen nucleus draws electrons away from the hyd
, nuclei, which leaves the region around the hydrogen nuclei with
positive charge. The water molecule is thus an electrically polar struct
Biophysical ChemistryWater, pH, Weak
acids and Bases, Buffers
Learning Outcomes
1. Explain the properties of water and how they are related to its functio
2. Water self-ions. What are the implications?
3. Illustrate the formation of hydrogen bonds between water molecules
4. Explain the importance of water as a solvent as well as its roles rela
high latent heat of vaporization, specific heat capacity, density an
tension.
,5. Use the Henderson – Hasselbalch Equation to calculate the pH, aci
concentration or the pKa.
6. Define and understand the weak acids and bases, pH and pK a deter
buffers and their role in biological systems.
7. Understand the physiological important buffer systems.
The Properties Water
• With 70% of our earth being ocean water and more than 65% of ou
being water, it is hard to not be aware of how important it is in our lives
• There are 3 different forms of water, or H2O: solid (ice), liquid (water)
(steam). The unique properties of water, include:
, 1. Boiling Point and Freezing Point
2. Surface Tension, Heat of Vaporization, and Vapour Pressure
3. Viscosity and Cohesion
4. Solid State
5. Liquid State
6. Gas State
• The first living organisms on Earth arose in the aqueous environment.
Water’s Life-Supporting Properties
1. Water is a polar molecule
The water molecule is bent, not linear, and so the distribution of cha
asymmetric. The oxygen nucleus draws electrons away from the hyd
, nuclei, which leaves the region around the hydrogen nuclei with
positive charge. The water molecule is thus an electrically polar struct
