Bound water

Bound Water is a term used in various scientific fields, including chemistry, biology, and food science. It refers to water molecules that are physically or chemically attached to other substances and cannot be easily removed.

Definition

Bound water is water that is not free to move or evaporate because it is attached to a substance. This can occur through hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, or other types of chemical bonding. Bound water is different from free water, which is not attached to any substance and can move or evaporate freely.

In Chemistry

In chemistry, bound water is often associated with hydration shells around ions or molecules. These shells are formed when water molecules orient themselves around an ion or molecule, creating a layer of water that is "bound" to the substance. This can affect the properties of the substance, including its solubility and reactivity.

In Biology

In biology, bound water is important in many biological processes. For example, it plays a crucial role in the structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids. In proteins, bound water can help maintain the protein's three-dimensional structure. In nucleic acids, bound water can facilitate the pairing of base pairs.

In Food Science

In food science, bound water is a key factor in the texture and shelf-life of food products. For example, in baking, the amount of bound water can affect the dough's consistency and the final product's texture. In food preservation, reducing the amount of free water can help prevent microbial growth, but bound water is less likely to contribute to spoilage because it is not available to microbes.

See Also

• Water activity
• Water content
• Hydrogen bond
• Hydration shell