Personalised Learning Checklists IB Biology A1.

1 Water

IB Biology A1.1 Water

Topic Student Checklist R A G
 Explain that water is the substance in which cells first developed and
life’s processes still occur.

 Explain how a difference in electronegativity between two atoms results

in a polar covalent bond.

 Draw two or more water molecules and hydrogen bonds between them
with a notation to indicate polarity.

 Explain that water molecules are attracted to each other and that this
property, cohesion, has important impacts on organisms.
 Explain how the properties of water affect its roles as a metabolic medium
and a means of transport.

 Explain how the solvent properties of water are linked to its role as a
medium for metabolism.
 Explain how the cohesive and adhesive properties of water are linked to
its role as a medium for transport in plants and animals
 Describe the properties of water including buoyancy, viscosity, thermal
conductivity and specific heat capacity.
 Contrast, using examples, how the physical properties of water and air
have consequences for animals that live in these two habitats.
 Outline that most of the water on Earth is believed to have been delivered
by asteroids (HL ONLY)
 Describe how the moderate temperature and gravity of Earth allow water
to be retained (HL ONLY)
 Explain the concept of the ‘Goldilocks zone’ in relation to the search for
extraterrestrial life (HL ONLY)