1. The ability of ice to float because of the expansion of water as it solidifies is an important factor in the fitness of the environment. If ice sank, then eventually all ponds, lakes, and even oceans would freeze solid, making life as we know it impossible on earth. During the summer, only the upper few inches of the ocean would thaw. Instead, when a deep body of water cools, the floating ice insulates the liquid water below, preventing it from freezing and allowing life to exist under the frozen surface.
2. Carbon atoms are the most versatile building blocks of molecules. A covalent bonding capacity of four contributes to carbon's ability to form diverse molecules. Carbon can bond to a variety of atoms, including oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur. Carbon atoms can also bond to other carbons, forming the carbon skeletons of organic compounds.
3. Most macromolecules are polymers. Carbohydrates, lipids proteins, and nucleic acids are the four major classes of......
Join Now or Login to view the rest of this paper.
Approximate Word Count: 3608
Approximate Pages: 14 (260 words per double-spaced page) |