Structure of Water and Hydrogen Bonding

The fundamental structure of water molecules and their bonding properties form the basis for understanding water's role in biological systems. Water molecules consist of oxygen and hydrogen atoms joined by covalent bonds, with differences in electronegativity creating polarity.

Definition: Covalent bonds occur when atoms share electrons, and polar covalent bonds form when there is a difference in atomic electronegativity.

Vocabulary: Cohesion refers to the attraction between molecules of the same type, while adhesion describes bonding between different types of molecules.

Example: In water molecules, cohesion occurs when one oxygen atom bonds with two hydrogen atoms through hydrogen bonds (H-O-H).

Highlight: The polar nature of water molecules enables them to form hydrogen bonds with other water molecules and different substances, a crucial property for biological processes.