Module 3: The Chemistry of Water

This module will discuss the various functions of water within the human body. Both our bodies and our environment are mostly water. Thus, recognizing our cells’ dependence on water to function and observing how crucial biological molecules interact with water is paramount to understanding how important this molecule is for maintaining homeostasis within our bodies. This module will explain the many functions of water in biological systems and demonstrate water distribution throughout our bodily fluids. By understanding the chemical makeup of water, you will be able to recognize where various biomolecules will be located within our bodies and predict how they will interact with water in both our intracellular and extracellular environments.

("Water Molecule Ball and Stick" by MsKDinh is used with a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.)

1. Summarize the role of water as a lubricant and explain how water functions as a natural cushion within our organ systems. (C.L.O. #1 and #3)
2. Explain the significance of water as a natural heat sink, and describe how this unique property allows water to resist large temperature fluctuations within our bodies. (C.L.O. #1, #2, and #3)
   
3. Relate the importance of water as the “universal solvent” within our bodies and evaluate the importance of this within the human body. (C.L.O. #1, #2, and #3)
4. Describe the role that water plays during dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis reactions and relate this to both the synthesis and the degradation of biomolecules. (C.L.O. #1)
   
5. Summarize the distribution of water within the human body and emphasize the significance of water as a component of both our intracellular and extracellular fluids. (C.L.O. #4)
   

To achieve these objectives:

1. Read the Module 3 Introduction. (C.L.O.#1, #3, and #4)
   
2. Read Chapter 4 in the textbook. (C.L.O. #1, #3, and #4)
   
3. Test Your Knowledge sections are located at the end of each segment in the chapter. Answering the questions in these sections will aid in your knowledge to help you with the course. These questions will be relevant for information on testing and quizzes. (C.L.O. #1, #3, and #4)(M.L.O. #1, #2, #3, #4, #5)
4. Complete the exercises in the "Practice" section at the end of the chapter. (C.L.O. #1, #3, and #4)(M.L.O. #2, #3, #4, #5)
   
5. Complete the discussion activity. (C.L.O. #4)(M.L.O. #1, #2, #5)
6. Complete the case study exercise. (C.L.O. #3 and #4) (M.L.O. # 5)
7. Complete the quiz. (C.L.O. #1, #3, and #4)(M.L.O. #1, #2, #3, #4, #5)
   

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