BOT2603 Assignment 01 Semester 1 Solutions 2026
Due date: 13 March 2026, 6:00 PM
Unique number for this assignment: 327982
INSTRUCTIONS
• Avoid using AI to generate your answers; you will get zero for your answers.
• Do not plagiarize. Always paraphrase your answers where possible (do not copy
directly from the source)
• Include a list of all the sources you have used (Reference list)/ Acknowledge all the
sources you have used for this assignment.
• Kindly submit one pdf file
, QUESTION 1
1.1 Unique properties of the water molecule
Water is very important for plants because of the way its molecules are structured and
how they bond with each other.
1.1.1 Configuration (structure)
A water molecule is made up of one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms. These
atoms are arranged in a bent or V-shape, not in a straight line.
This shape is important because it causes an uneven distribution of charge in the
molecule, which affects how water behaves in living organisms.
1.1.2 Polarity
Water is a polar molecule because oxygen pulls electrons more strongly than hydrogen.
As a result:
• The oxygen side becomes slightly negative
• The hydrogen sides become slightly positive
This polarity allows water to dissolve many substances and makes it useful for
transporting nutrients and chemicals inside plants.
1.1.3 Hydrogen bonding
Hydrogen bonds form between different water molecules. The slightly positive hydrogen
of one molecule is attracted to the slightly negative oxygen of another molecule.
Although hydrogen bonds are weak on their own, together they:
• Help water molecules stick together
• Allow water to move up the xylem
• Prevent the water column from breaking during transpiration
1.1.4 Covalent bonding
Inside a water molecule, hydrogen and oxygen are joined by strong covalent bonds,
where electrons are shared.
These bonds keep the molecule stable and stop it from breaking apart easily.
Due date: 13 March 2026, 6:00 PM
Unique number for this assignment: 327982
INSTRUCTIONS
• Avoid using AI to generate your answers; you will get zero for your answers.
• Do not plagiarize. Always paraphrase your answers where possible (do not copy
directly from the source)
• Include a list of all the sources you have used (Reference list)/ Acknowledge all the
sources you have used for this assignment.
• Kindly submit one pdf file
, QUESTION 1
1.1 Unique properties of the water molecule
Water is very important for plants because of the way its molecules are structured and
how they bond with each other.
1.1.1 Configuration (structure)
A water molecule is made up of one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms. These
atoms are arranged in a bent or V-shape, not in a straight line.
This shape is important because it causes an uneven distribution of charge in the
molecule, which affects how water behaves in living organisms.
1.1.2 Polarity
Water is a polar molecule because oxygen pulls electrons more strongly than hydrogen.
As a result:
• The oxygen side becomes slightly negative
• The hydrogen sides become slightly positive
This polarity allows water to dissolve many substances and makes it useful for
transporting nutrients and chemicals inside plants.
1.1.3 Hydrogen bonding
Hydrogen bonds form between different water molecules. The slightly positive hydrogen
of one molecule is attracted to the slightly negative oxygen of another molecule.
Although hydrogen bonds are weak on their own, together they:
• Help water molecules stick together
• Allow water to move up the xylem
• Prevent the water column from breaking during transpiration
1.1.4 Covalent bonding
Inside a water molecule, hydrogen and oxygen are joined by strong covalent bonds,
where electrons are shared.
These bonds keep the molecule stable and stop it from breaking apart easily.
